The bill amends Section 45-24.3-17 of the General Laws concerning the Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Code. It introduces new requirements for the enforcement officer when issuing a notice of violation for housing code failures. Specifically, the bill mandates that the notice must not only be served to the owner, occupant, operator, or agent but also directly to the residents affected by the violations. This can be done in person or via certified or registered mail, and the notice must be made available for review at a local municipal code enforcement office upon request. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the enforcing officer must notify tenant-occupants of any hearings related to the alleged violations, ensuring that tenants are kept informed throughout the process.

The bill also includes several deletions and insertions to clarify the procedures for handling notices of violation. Notably, it removes the previous requirement for the enforcing officer to seek a hearing in a specific manner and instead allows for a hearing to be summoned directly by the enforcing officer. Furthermore, it emphasizes that a cumulative civil penalty will be imposed for violations, and it establishes that subsequent transferees of the property will be deemed aware of any existing violations. The act is set to take effect upon passage, enhancing tenant rights and ensuring better communication regarding housing code violations.

Statutes affected:
5267: 45-24.3-17