WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 212

AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORDS AND TENANT ACT -- JUST CAUSE EVICTIONS

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 4 co-sponsors

SB 212 restricts Rhode Island landlords to evicting tenants only for legally-defined just causes rather than at-will, providing housing stability protections but potentially affecting rental market dynamics.

05/06/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 212

Legislative bill overview

SB 212 would establish "just cause" eviction requirements in Rhode Island, meaning landlords could only evict tenants for specific, legally-defined reasons (such as non-payment of rent, lease violations, owner move-in, or property demolition) rather than for any reason or no reason at all. The bill restricts at-will evictions and typically includes notice period requirements before eviction proceedings can begin.

Why is this important

Residential evictions create significant hardship for tenants, including homelessness, educational disruption for children, and employment instability. Rhode Island currently allows landlords to evict tenants without cause, giving tenants minimal housing stability protections compared to many other states. This bill would fundamentally shift the landlord-tenant relationship by requiring landlords to demonstrate legitimate, documented reasons for eviction.

Potential points of contention

  • Housing supply concerns: Landlords argue that just-cause requirements reduce incentives to maintain rental properties and may decrease the number of available rental units, potentially raising rents
  • Landlord liability and enforcement: Property owners express concerns about difficulty removing problem tenants, increased legal costs, and potential safety issues during extended notice periods
  • Definition disputes: Disagreement over what constitutes "just cause"—particularly around subjective violations like excessive noise or minor lease breaches—and who determines sufficiency
  • Economic impact on small landlords: Individual property owners argue compliance costs and legal requirements disproportionately burden small operators versus corporate landlords with legal departments

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

Sign in to ask a question.