This bill amends the "Residential Landlord and Tenant Act" to enhance protections for tenants and establish a mandatory rental registry for landlords of residential properties built before 1978 that are not exempt from lead hazard mitigation requirements. It prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants for exercising their rights, such as filing complaints about health and safety violations or joining tenant unions. The bill clarifies that landlords can still pursue eviction under certain conditions, including compliance with lead mitigation acts and building codes, while ensuring that tenants have defenses against retaliatory actions.

Additionally, the bill mandates that landlords register specific information with the Department of Health, including the names of individual landlords or business entities responsible for leasing, tenant information, and lead hazard mitigation compliance. This information will be kept private and accessible only to designated entities, including tenants residing in the rental unit, the Department of Health, local governments, the Rhode Island judiciary, and other governmental agencies with a legitimate purpose related to lead or code enforcement. The bill allows landlords to register free of charge and requires the Department of Health to issue lead inspection documentation promptly, including renewals based on visual affidavits, within seven days of submission. The act aims to improve tenant protections and ensure compliance with lead hazard regulations, taking effect upon passage.