Bill > S0553

This bill amends the Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act to establish clear guidelines for tenants with disabilities who wish to keep emotional support animals in their rental housing. Specifically, the bill allows tenants with a disability-related need to request and potentially be approved for an emotional support animal as a reasonable accommodation. The bill defines an emotional support animal as a dog or cat that provides emotional, cognitive, or similar support to an individual with a disability, and notably does not require the animal to be trained or certified. Landlords may request supporting documentation from a Rhode Island-licensed healthcare practitioner who has a physical office in the state, has conducted a clinical evaluation, and has an established patient-practitioner relationship of at least 30 days. Landlords can deny the request if the animal poses a direct safety threat or potential significant property damage, or if the animal would cause insurance cancellation or substantial premium increases. The bill requires the tenant to be liable for any damage caused by the emotional support animal and specifies strict documentation requirements to validate the need for such an animal, ultimately aiming to provide a clear, fair process for individuals with disabilities to have supportive animals in their housing.