Spells out the responsibilities of both the landlord and tenant with respect to the inspection and treatment of bed bugs in residential premises.

Rhode Island Bed Bugs in Residential Premises Act

This bill establishes clear rules for how landlords and tenants in Rhode Island must handle bed bug problems in rental housing. It defines the specific responsibilities each party has when it comes to inspecting for bed bugs and treating infestations. The goal is to create a straightforward process so that both sides know what is expected of them and bed bug problems can be addressed quickly and effectively.

Under this bill, landlords would likely be required to inspect rental units and arrange for professional treatment when bed bugs are found, while tenants would have responsibilities such as reporting suspected infestations promptly and cooperating with inspection and treatment efforts. By spelling out these duties clearly, the bill aims to prevent disputes between landlords and tenants over who is responsible for dealing with bed bug problems and the costs associated with them.

This bill affects anyone who rents or owns residential rental property in Rhode Island — including apartment tenants, single-family home renters, and their landlords. Bed bug infestations can spread quickly between units, so having clear rules benefits entire buildings and communities, not just individual households. The bill was recently introduced and referred to the Senate Housing and Municipal Government Committee, meaning it is still in the early stages of the legislative process and has not yet become law.