Prohibits a landlord from inquiring about the immigration status of a tenant subject to any federal laws or regulations, but may request financial information or proof of identity.
Summary
S0274 amends Rhode Island’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to bar landlords and their agents from asking about a tenant’s, prospective tenant’s, occupant’s, or prospective occupant’s immigration or citizenship status. It also prohibits landlords from requiring any statement, representation, or certification about immigration or citizenship status as a condition of renting or occupancy.
The bill further prevents municipalities and housing agencies from compelling landlords to collect, disclose, report, or act on immigration-related information for residential rental property. At the same time, it preserves a landlord’s ability to comply with federal law and to request information needed to verify a prospective tenant’s financial qualifications or identity. The act would take effect immediately upon passage.
Impact
This bill would add a new section to chapter 34-18 of the Rhode Island General Laws, creating a statewide restriction on immigration-status inquiries in residential leasing. It would limit both private landlords and public entities from using immigration or citizenship status as a basis for screening, reporting, or rental decisions, while expressly preserving federal-law compliance and standard tenant screening for income and identity verification.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have broad legislative support based on its strong passage margins in both chambers, including 32-4 in the Senate and 68-2 in the House on concurrence. The vote totals suggest the measure was generally viewed favorably and not especially controversial at the final stage, although a small minority opposed it.
Contention
The main point of contention is the balance between tenant protections and landlord discretion. Supporters likely view the bill as preventing discrimination and protecting immigrant renters from intrusive screening, while opponents may be concerned about limiting landlords’ ability to assess risk or comply with local housing directives. The bill addresses that tension by preserving requests for financial and identity documentation and by allowing compliance with federal law.
Housing: landlord and tenants; reuse of certain tenant screening reports; allow. Amends title & sec. 1 of 1972 PA 348 (MCL 554.601) & adds secs. 1e, 1f, 1g & 1h.
Housing: landlord and tenants; prohibition of the use of prospective tenants' credit scores as a sole deciding factor for lease eligibility and allowance for landlords to accept reusable screening reports; provide for. Amends title & sec. 1 of 1972 PA 348 (MCL 554.601) & adds secs. 1e, 1f, 1g & 1h.