Requires a housing code enforcement officer to give a copy of any housing code violation notice to all tenants of the building affected by a housing code violation along with any hearing dates scheduled for the violation.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would require housing code enforcement officers in Rhode Island to directly notify tenants when a housing code violation is found in their building. Currently, when an inspector finds a problem with a building — such as unsafe conditions, maintenance issues, or code violations — the notice typically goes to the landlord or property owner. Under this bill, tenants living in the affected building would also receive a copy of that notice, as well as information about any hearings scheduled to address the violation.

The bill is designed to keep renters informed about problems in the place where they live. For example, if a building has issues with heating, plumbing, electrical systems, or structural safety, tenants would no longer have to rely on their landlord to pass along that information. They would hear directly from the enforcement officer, giving them the opportunity to be aware of the situation and, if they choose, participate in any official hearings about the violation.

This legislation primarily affects renters in Rhode Island, as well as landlords, property owners, and local housing code enforcement offices, which would be responsible for carrying out the new notification requirement. It would add an extra step to the enforcement process, requiring officers to identify and contact all tenants in a building where a violation is found. The bill was introduced in the Rhode Island House and has been referred to the House Municipal Government & Housing Committee, where it has been recommended for further study.