RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT
Summary
H8386 amends Rhode Island’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to require landlords to give a tenant a receipt whenever rent is paid in cash, and to do so at the time the payment is received. The bill is narrowly focused on documenting cash rent transactions and does not change the amount of rent, payment deadlines, eviction standards, or other landlord-tenant rights and duties.
By adding a new section to chapter 34-18 of the General Laws, the bill creates an affirmative statutory obligation for landlords in residential tenancies. Its practical effect would be to give tenants written proof of payment for cash transactions, which can help prevent disputes over whether rent was paid and when it was received. The act would take effect immediately upon passage.
Impact
The bill would directly amend the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act by adding a new receipt requirement for cash rent payments. Landlords who accept cash would need to provide a receipt at the time of payment, and tenants would gain a statutory right to documentation of those payments. The measure affects residential landlords and tenants statewide, especially in situations where rent is paid in cash and proof of payment may be important in later disputes.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee testimony or votes, the overall sentiment appears neutral and procedural rather than controversial. The proposal is straightforward consumer-protection legislation aimed at improving recordkeeping and reducing payment disputes. No formal opposition, amendments, or divided vote are reflected in the available materials.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the available record. If debated, likely issues would center on the administrative burden for landlords, the need for receipts in informal cash-payment arrangements, and whether the requirement should apply only to cash or to all forms of rent payment. However, the provided materials do not show any expressed support or opposition from particular stakeholders.
Requires landlords of residential properties built before 1978 to register lead hazard mitigation information with the department of health and the information would be private and only accessible by specific entities.
Requires landlords of residential properties built before 1978 to register lead hazard mitigation information with the department of health and the information would be private and only accessible by specific entities.
Defines squatter as a person occupying a dwelling unit who is not authorized by the property owner, landlord or tenant to occupy the unit and provides remedies for property owner including police assistance to remove a squatter.
Defines squatter as a person occupying a dwelling unit who is not authorized by the property owner, landlord or tenant to occupy the unit and provides remedies for property owner including police assistance to remove a squatter.
Limits rent increases to no more than 4% annually unless the landlord is granted exemption by the secretary of housing. Provides tenants with a civil action to recover damages, including award of attorneys' fees and punitive damages, for any violations.