Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7852

Introduced
2/27/26  

Caption

RELATING TO PROPERTY -- CONDOMINIUM OWNERSHIP

Impact

The legislation impacts state laws governing condominium ownership by establishing clearer guidelines on insurance responsibilities and procedures post-loss events. Under the bill, in the event of damage to a unit, owners now have an entitlements to receive a written copy of the insurance appraisal from the association. This change is significant as it increases transparency and allows unit owners to understand their rights regarding insurance claims and repairs following damage events. Overall, the bill aims to make the functioning of condominium associations more efficient and equitable.

Summary

House Bill 7852 relates to property and condominium ownership, aiming to clarify how the insurance deductibles and unpaid losses are to be divided between condominium associations and unit owners. The bill specifies that if the condominium association does not maintain insurance or fails to cover the deductibles, unit owners are required to insure their own units. This emphasizes the collective responsibility for managing risks associated with condominium ownership and enforces the necessity for all unit owners to ensure adequate insurance coverage is in place.

Contention

There are notable points of contention regarding the requirement for individual unit owners to insure their properties if the association does not. While proponents argue that this provision protects the interests of the unit owners and ensures that they are not left without coverage, critics may worry that imposing this obligation may add an additional financial burden on owners, especially in the event of catastrophic losses. Furthermore, there may be debate about whether associations can equitably manage insurance proceeds and the implications if deduced amounts do not cover the needed repairs.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5587

References both the declaration and bylaws of a condominium association as possible sources of association insurance regulation for the condominiums and require additional insurance to protect unit owners, when necessary.

RI S0509

Provides that the “meetings” requirements from § 34-36.1-3.08 be applicable to condominiums created before July 1, 1982, and would permit remote participation in condominium meetings.

RI H5156

Provides that the “meetings” requirements from § 34-36.1-3.08 be applicable to condominiums created before July 1, 1982, and would permit remote participation in condominium meetings.

RI S0496

Provides that the “meetings” requirements from § 34-36.1-3.08 be applicable to condominiums created before July 1, 1982, and would permit remote participation in condominium meetings.

RI H5826

Creates a process for condominium associations to give notice to and obtain approval from unit mortgage holders for certain association actions.

RI H5585

Requires associations to provide unit owners within thirty (30) days notice of any increase in the deductible application to the association’s policy.

RI S0507

Requires associations to provide unit owners within thirty (30) days notice of any increase in the deductible application to the association’s policy.

RI H5330

Provides that amendments to §§ 34-36.1-1.03 and 34-36.1-3.08 are applicable to condominiums created before July 1, 1982, provides a definition for the term “special assessment” and allows unit owners to participate in association meetings remotely.

RI H5823

Voids any provision in a condominium declaration or bylaw that would limit an increase in annual assessments relative to a percentage of the prior year's assessment.

RI H5586

Creates process for condominium associations to give notice to and obtain approval from unit mortgage holders for certain association actions by mailing a written request for approval to the unit mortgagees via regular and certified mail.

Similar Bills

HI SB2433

Relating To Condominiums.

HI SB3309

Relating To Condominiums.

HI HB2453

Relating To Condominiums.

MI SB0272

Housing: condominium; definition of undeveloped land; modify. Amends sec. 67 of 1978 PA 59 (MCL 559.167).

HI SB1601

Relating To Condominiums.

HI SB744

Relating To Condominiums.

HI SB1601

Relating To Condominiums.

HI SB744

Relating To Condominiums.