Bill > S0058

This bill amends the Rhode Island Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to permit tenants to implement energy conservation measures at their own expense in their dwelling or dwelling unit. Specifically, the bill allows tenants to add removable improvements such as weather-stripping around doors and windows, interior storm windows, and insulation wrap around hot water heating tanks. The bill explicitly states that these energy conservation measures do not apply to group living units, hotel units, or rooming units, and clarifies that tenants are not authorized to make structural changes to the building. The bill also ensures that this new provision does not restrict tenants' access to other legal remedies. The provisions will take effect immediately upon passage, giving tenants more flexibility to make minor, non-destructive energy efficiency upgrades to their rental spaces without requiring prior landlord approval, while protecting the landlord's property from unauthorized structural modifications.

Housing and Urban Affairs

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