The bill amends Section 34-18-56 of the General Laws in the "Residential Landlord and Tenant Act" to create a model form for tenants to notify landlords of their intent to make necessary repairs and deduct the associated costs from their rent, as outlined in the section titled "NOTICE OF INTENT TO DEDUCT COSTS OF REASONABLE REPAIRS FROM RENT PURSUANT TO 34-18-30." The form requires tenants to inform landlords about the contractor they intend to hire for the repairs, the nature of the repairs needed, and the costs involved. It specifies that landlords have failed to comply with their maintenance obligations and provides a timeline for repairs. Upon completion of the repairs, tenants are required to submit an itemized statement of all costs or the fair and reasonable value of the repairs made to the landlord.

Additionally, the bill includes new legal language for various notices related to eviction proceedings, such as a five-day demand notice for nonpayment of rent, a notice of noncompliance with the rental agreement, and a notice of termination of tenancy. These notices must contain specific language to inform tenants of their rights and obligations, as well as the consequences of failing to comply with rental agreements. The bill also outlines the necessary language for eviction complaints, detailing required information such as the amount of rent owed and prior notices served to the tenant, while ensuring proper notification through proof of service and certificates of service. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
3157: 34-18-56