The Rhode Island House has approved unanimously the group of housing related bills that was developed by the House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi.
There was one prominent add on in the form of an amendment from State Rep Rep. Cherie L. Cruz of Pawtucket proposed an elimination of rental application fees. The state rep says that was preventing some people from getting into a new home.
“Every day Rhode Islanders are increasingly struggling to provide for their families. When combined with the rising costs of housing and the lack of acceptable and safe inventory, rental application fees are an obstacle and burden for our most vulnerable residents in search of housing. We have heard from families who have spent thousands on rental application fees – without being able to secure an apartment. Eliminating these burdensome fees will help our struggling residents and families during their already frustrating pursuit of housing, and a step in the right direction in leveling the playing field in our state,” said Representative Cruz.
The bill does not prohibit the landlord, lessor, sub-lessor, real estate broker, property management company or designee from obtaining an independent background check or credit report at the landlord's own expense.
The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.
(Photo Credit: State Rep Cherie Cruz)