The bill amends Section 34-18-38 of the General Laws in Chapter 34-18, known as the "Residential Landlord and Tenant Act," to address the eviction process for tenants who unlawfully hold over after the termination or expiration of their tenancy. It outlines the procedure for landlords to commence an eviction action and specifies the form and timeline for the summons and complaint. Additionally, it allows landlords to recover up to three months' rent or triple the actual damages, plus reasonable attorney's fees, if the tenant's holdover is willful and not in good faith.

Significant insertions to the law include provisions for what happens when a tenant dies during the term of the rental agreement. The bill introduces a "post-death rental grace period," allowing a live-in caregiver or another adult residing in the unit to continue the rental agreement for up to three months or the remainder of the lease term, whichever is shorter. This person is referred to as the "grace period temporary tenant" and must assume all obligations of the rental agreement. The bill details the evidence required to prove residency, the rights and obligations of the grace period temporary tenant, and the handling of the security deposit and unpaid rent. The act would take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2407  SUB A: 34-18-38
2407: 34-18-38