WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 2617

AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by John Burke and 1 co-sponsor

The bill tightens disclosures, clarifies rent timing, expands military/elderly termination rights, and raises security deposits (to 2x rent) with itemized returns.

04/28/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2617

Summary of SB 2617 (Rhode Island, 2026) — AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY: RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

Purpose and intent

SB 2617 proposes amendments to Rhode Island’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to increase transparency around fees, clarify payment terms, and adjust security deposit rules. The bill aims to better protect tenants by ensuring disclosure of extra charges, updating security deposit limits, and allowing tenants to pay prepaid rent, including the last month’s rent, under specified conditions.

Key provisions and changes

  • Disclosure of ancillary fees (a)(1)–(a)(4):

    • Landlords must disclose all fees beyond base rent in the same section as the rent disclosure.
    • If there is no written lease, landlords must provide a written list of all non-rent fees and must disclose any fee changes at least 30 days prior to the change.
    • Landlords must state which utilities are included in the rent and which are the tenant’s responsibility (in either a written lease or written notice if no lease exists).
    • If renters insurance is required, this requirement must be stated in the lease or provided in writing if no lease exists.
    • If the landlord fails to comply with these disclosure requirements, the tenant may recover any undisclosed fees paid.

  • Rent and payment terms (a)(2)–(a)(4) and (c)–(d):

    • The bill clarifies rent payment timing: rent is due at the time and place agreed; generally at the beginning of the term for monthly tenants and in equal monthly installments at the start of each month; proration is allowed.
    • In the absence of a definite term, tenancy defaults to week-to-week (for roomers paying weekly) or month-to-month otherwise.

  • Early termination for elderly or specific housing transitions (e):

    • Tenants aged 65 or older (or turning 65 during the term) may terminate to enter certain care facilities or housing designated for the elderly, with 45 days’ notice after the first rent payment following delivery of notice, and with admissions documentation.

  • Military family termination rights (f):

    • Servicemembers or dependents may terminate a lease unilaterally under specified military service or orders scenarios (at least 90 days for deployment or reassignment).
    • Termination timing: for monthly rent, 30 days after the next rent due date; for other leases, the last day of the month following notice.
    • Tenant remains responsible for prorated rent, and the landlord may not charge an early termination fee. Refunds of prepaid rent must occur within 30 days of termination.
    • Affected dependents’ lease obligations terminate with the lessee.

  • Security deposits (34-18-19):

    • Maximum security deposit increases from 1 month to 2 months’ rent.
    • Upon termination, the landlord must return the deposit minus unpaid rent, cleaning, trash disposal, and damages beyond ordinary wear and tear, with an itemized written notice within 20 days after tenancy ends or forwarding address is provided.
    • If the landlord fails to itemize or return amounts, the tenant may recover the withheld amount plus related damages and attorney fees.
    • Furnished units may have a separate furniture security deposit if the replacement value of furnishings is $5,000 or more, up to one additional month’s rent, with a comparable return framework.
    • The section applies to successors in interest and prohibits waivers of these protections.

Affected parties

  • Tenants: Enhanced protections through fee disclosures, clearer utility and insurance disclosures, the option to pay last month’s rent (and prepaid rent), stronger remedies for improper withholding of deposits, and expanded military and elderly-transition protections.
  • Landlords: Increased disclosure obligations, higher potential refund obligations for security deposits, and clearer rules on furniture deposits for furnished units.
  • Landlord-tenant relationships generally: Aligns Rhode Island practice with more stringent transparency and tenant-protection standards.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: Upon passage.
  • Legislative history: Introduced February 13, 2026; referred to Senate Judiciary; committee recommended holding for further study (April 28, 2026).
  • Ongoing consideration: Assembly action pending after committee review.

This bill focuses on tenant protections related to disclosures, rental payment terms, termination rights for military and elderly tenants, and security deposit rules, including a higher cap on security deposits and furniture deposits for furnished units.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.