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SB 3158

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matt LaMountain and 1 co-sponsor

Landlords must give tenants a cash payment receipt at the time cash rent is received, improving transparency in cash transactions.

06/05/2026 Referred to House Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 3158

Summary of Bill: SB 3158 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Title

AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY — RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

Purpose and intent

  • The bill requires landlords to provide a receipt to tenants when rent is paid in cash.
  • The aim is to improve accountability and transparency in cash transactions between tenants and landlords.

Key provisions

  • Added Section: 34-18-63. Receipt for cash payment of rent.
    • A landlord must provide a receipt to any tenant that makes a rental payment in cash at the time the payment is received.
  • Effective date: The act takes effect upon passage.
    • There is no staged implementation; if enacted, the requirement becomes law immediately upon the governor’s signature.

Who is affected

  • Landlords in Rhode Island who collect rent in cash.
  • Tenants who pay rent in cash and would receive a formal receipt for such payments.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction date: March 27, 2026.
  • Referred to Senate Housing & Municipal Government.
  • Scheduled for hearing/consideration: May 7, 2026 (as per action history).
  • Enactment depends on passage by the General Assembly and signature by the appropriate authority; effective upon passage.

Additional notes

  • The bill is relatively narrow in scope, adding a single mandatory practice (issuance of cash receipts) within the broader Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
  • There is no expansion of penalties, enforcement mechanisms, or other changes to rent, security deposits, eviction procedures, or housing standards in this measure.

Sponsors

  • Primary sponsors: Senators Tiara Mack and Matt LaMountain (also listed as co-sponsors).

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to current Rhode Island law on cash payments or provide a brief impact assessment for landlords and tenants.

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

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