Rhode Island bill caps rent hikes, gives renters power to sue

Limits rent increases to 4% annually, but allows an additional increase for taxes, insurance, or health and safety costs if the landlord gets an exemption from the secretary of housing, and provides tenants civil remedies for violations.

Introduced· 2026-02-27

Who's it for

Who's it for: Everyday People

What it means for you

9/10Helps you

Good for everyday people ·

Plain‑English summary, cross‑checked against the official bill text.

This bill would stop landlords from raising rent more than 4% each year, giving renters a way to take them to court if they break the rules.

Our take

What we think, in plain words.

This bill would help renters by putting a limit on how much their rent can go up each year. It also gives people a clear way to fight back if their landlord tries to raise the rent too much. Some landlords might say they need to raise rent more to pay for things like taxes or insurance. This bill tries to be fair by letting them ask for special permission for bigger increases if they truly need it. It is important for people to know about this bill now, while it is still being discussed, because it could make housing more steady for many families in Rhode Island.

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The facts

What the bill actually says, no spin.

The bill would limit how much landlords can raise rent to 4% each year.
Landlords could ask for special permission to raise rent more if their costs for taxes, insurance, or safety go up.
Renters would be able to sue landlords who do not follow these rent rules.
The bill is currently being studied by a committee in the Rhode Island House.