Increases the notification time about rent increases and termination of tenancy for month-to-month tenants.

Rhode Island Senate Bill: Longer Notice Required for Rent Increases and Evictions

This bill would require landlords to give month-to-month tenants more advance warning before raising their rent or ending their tenancy. Under current Rhode Island law, landlords must provide a certain amount of notice before making these changes. This bill would extend that notification period, giving renters more time to prepare for a rent increase or find a new place to live if their tenancy is being terminated.

The people most directly affected by this bill are renters who do not have a fixed-term lease — meaning they rent on a month-to-month basis, where the rental agreement automatically renews each month. These renters are often in a more vulnerable position than those with long-term leases because their housing situation can change relatively quickly. Landlords who rent to month-to-month tenants would also be affected, as they would be required to plan further ahead before implementing changes or reclaiming their property.

The goal of the bill, as written, is to provide greater stability and predictability for month-to-month renters by giving them a longer window to respond to major housing changes. The bill has been introduced and sent to the Senate Housing and Municipal Government Committee, where lawmakers will review and decide whether to move it forward for a broader vote.