Bill > H5446

This bill amends the Rhode Island Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to explicitly permit tenants to implement energy conservation measures at their own expense in their dwelling or dwelling unit. Specifically, the bill allows tenants to install removable weather-stripping around doors and windows, add removable interior storm windows, and apply insulation wrap around hot water heating tanks, without requiring landlord approval. The bill importantly clarifies that these energy conservation measures do not apply to group living units, hotel units, or rooming units, and tenants are not authorized to make any structural changes to the building. The bill also preserves tenants' access to other legal remedies. The new provisions are added as a subsection to an existing statute that already outlines tenants' rights to make certain repairs when landlords fail to do so, and the bill will take effect immediately upon its passage. By allowing tenants to independently improve their dwelling's energy efficiency without significant landlord intervention, the bill provides renters with more control over their living space and potential utility cost savings.

Justice

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