Rhode Island tenants should be aware of several key changes and ongoing proposals affecting rent increases and tenant rights in 2025. Here’s a concise overview of what you need to know:
Rent Increase Notice Requirements
- Notice Periods:
- Tenants under 62: Landlords must provide at least 60 days’ written notice before a rent increase for month-to-month tenancies.
- Tenants 62 and older: The notice period extends to 120 days for month-to-month leases.
- Fixed-term leases: Rent cannot be increased during the lease term; increases only apply upon lease renewal.
- Notice Content:
- The notice must be in writing and clearly state the new rent amount and effective date.
Rent Increase Caps
- Current Practice:
- Rhode Island does not have statewide rent control, meaning there are generally no strict limits on the amount or frequency of rent increases at the state level.
- Recent Developments and Proposals:
- Existing Rent Control Act (as referenced by some sources): Some interpretations and local discussions suggest a 4% annual rent increase cap has been referenced in certain contexts, but this is not a universal statewide law.
- Pending Legislation:
- Senate Bill S0580 (2025): Proposes to limit rent increases to no more than 4% annually unless the landlord is granted an exemption by the secretary of housing. As of June 2025, this bill is still pending and has been held for further study by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
- House Bill H5954 (2025): Would authorize the city of Providence to adopt rent control ordinances, subject to certain exemptions (such as owner-occupied properties with six or fewer units). This bill is currently referred to the House Municipal Government & Housing Committee.
New Tenant Protections and Fee Regulations
- Landlord Fees:
- Landlords cannot charge “convenience fees” for using specific payment methods.
- All fees must be disclosed in writing as part of the rental agreement or a separate disclosure.
- Utility and renter’s insurance responsibilities must be clearly stated in writing.
- Any changes to fees require at least 30 days’ written notice, and both parties must agree if there is an existing written lease.
- Penalties:
- If a landlord fails to properly disclose fees, tenants are entitled to a refund of all undisclosed fees and utilities.
Additional Tenant Rights
- Habitability:
- Landlords must maintain safe and habitable living conditions (implied warranty of habitability).
- Lease Agreements:
- All lease terms, rent, and responsibilities must be clearly stated in writing, especially for leases longer than one year.
- Anti-Discrimination:
- Tenants are protected from discrimination and may file complaints with the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights.
Summary Table
| Topic | Details for 2025 |
|---|---|
| Rent Increase Notice | 60 days (under 62), 120 days (62+), written notice required |
| Rent Increase Cap | No statewide rent control; pending 4% cap bill (S0580), local proposals (H5954) |
| Landlord Fees | No convenience fees, full disclosure required, 30-day notice for changes |
| Habitability | Landlords must maintain safe, habitable conditions |
| Lease Agreements | Must be in writing for >1 year, clear terms and responsibilities |
| Anti-Discrimination | Protected by state law, complaint process available |
Sources:
- https://legiscan.com/RI/bill/H5954/2025
- https://www.entrata.com/blog/2025-tenant-and-landlord-acts
- https://www.steadily.com/blog/rent-increase-laws-regulations-rhode-island
- https://legiscan.com/RI/bill/S0580/2025
- https://www.hemlane.com/resources/rhode-island-tenant-landlord-law/
