Starting on January 1, 2022, owners who rent residential dwelling units must obtain a general liability insurance policy with minimum coverage of $100,000 to cover people who are injured in or on the rental property as a result of the landlord’s negligence.  Public Law, Chapter 210 Senate Bill No. 718  SUB A

The landlord must provide a copy of the declaration page to the tenant along with the rental at the start of the tenancy and each time that the insurance policy is renewed.

If the landlord fails to comply, the tenant can pursue remedies, such as terminating the rental agreement; actual damages; obtaining injunctive relief, and, in some cases, reimbursement for attorney’s fees.  34-18-28 (rilegislature.gov)

Landlords should consult an insurance agent to determine whether it makes sense to increase the limits of the policy to protect their assets.

For more information, please contact the RIAR Legal Department at 401-432-6945 or email [email protected].