New law allows abuse survivors to break a rental lease

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rhode Island renters who are victims of abuse will soon have a new legal option for leaving an unsafe home without being locked into a rental agreement.

Gov. Dan McKee signed the bill into law Thursday allowing certain abuse survivors to terminate their residential leases early without being responsible for future rent or other penalties. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Melissa Murray and Rep. Karen Alzate, was approved by the General Assembly the previous week.

The abuse survivors lease law, 2026-S 2291A and 2026-H 7199A, takes effect July 1.

Under the new law, tenants who have experienced abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, or whose household member has experienced such abuse, can end their lease early when they fear for their safety.

To qualify, a tenant must provide written documentation confirming the abuse. Acceptable verification can come from sources including law enforcement, an attorney, health care provider, social worker, therapist or victim advocate.

Once the required documentation is provided, the tenant will have 30 days to leave the rental property. The law also provides for the return of eligible prepaid rent and security deposits.

New Lock-Change Protections

The legislation also creates a procedure allowing abuse survivors to seek a lock change when they are concerned that an abuser could access their home.

Additional requirements apply when the alleged abuser is a co-tenant. In that situation, the survivor must provide either a valid protective order or documentation from law enforcement indicating that the co-tenant presents a threat of abuse.

Landlords must then make a good-faith effort to change the locks within two days. Alternatively, they can give the tenant permission to arrange the lock change themselves.

The landlord cannot provide the new key to the person identified as the perpetrator.

Law Aims to Remove Housing Barriers

Supporters of the legislation say financial and housing concerns can make it difficult for survivors to leave dangerous situations.

The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence strongly supported the measure, saying the new law establishes a consistent process for survivors while also providing guidance for landlords.

The legislation’s sponsors said a rental agreement should not prevent someone from leaving a home where they or their family members may be in danger.

Rhode Island joins a number of states that have adopted legal protections allowing abuse survivors to end leases under certain circumstances. Massachusetts is among the states that already provide protections for renters seeking to leave because of domestic violence or other forms of abuse.