Effective July 1, 2026, Rhode Island's new Survivor Early Lease Termination Act gives certain residential tenants the right to end a lease early without penalty and, in some situations, request that their landlord change the locks. The law is intended to help survivors quickly leave unsafe living situations while providing landlords with clear procedures to follow.
Below are answers to some common questions.
Q: When does the law take effect?
The law applies to requests made or after July 1, 2026.
Q: Is Rhode Island the first state to adopt a law like this?
No. Rhode Island joins approximately 35 states and the District of Columbia that provide some form of legal protection allowing survivors of domestic violence or similar crimes to terminate a residential lease early under certain circumstances.
While the details vary from state to state, these laws generally recognize that survivors may need to relocate quickly for their safety.
Q: What properties are covered?
The law applies to residential rental properties that are governed by Rhode Island's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
Q: Who may terminate a lease early?
A tenant may terminate a lease without an early termination penalty if:
- The tenant or a household member has been the victim of abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking within the previous 150 days, or
- A recent event related to prior abuse causes the tenant or household member to reasonably fear for their safety.
The law also defines "abuse" broadly to include numerous violent crimes such as child abuse, trafficking, kidnapping and strangulation, among others.
Q: What documentation may a landlord require?
A landlord may request written verification showing that the tenant qualifies under the statute. Acceptable documentation includes:
- A valid protective order.
- Proof that the tenant has initiated legal proceedings to obtain a protective order.
- Verification that the incident was reported to law enforcement.
- Written verification from a qualified professional, including:
- Law Enforcement official
- Attorney
- Health care provider
- Social worker
- Licensed mental health counselor or therapist
- Domestic violence or sexual assault advocate
- Child abuse advocate
- Victim advocate affiliated with a nonprofit organization, college, university or state agency.
Q: Must this information remain confidential?
Yes. The law requires landlords to maintain all verification documents and personally identifying information in strict confidence. The information may only be disclosed with the tenant's written consent or when otherwise required by law.
Landlords should establish procedures to ensure these records are securely stored and shared only with personnel who have a legitimate need to know.
Q: How much notice must the tenant provide?
Once the tenant provides notice, the tenant must vacate the premises within 30 days, unless the landlord and tenant agree to a different move-out date.
The tenant remains responsible only for rent owed through the later of:
- Termination date, or
- Date the tenant vacates the property.
The tenant is not responsible for future rent after that point.
Q: Is the tenant entitled to the security deposit?
Yes, provided the tenant returns possession of the property and there is no damage beyond ordinary wear and tear.
The landlord must return any refundable security deposit and any prepaid rent in accordance with Rhode Island law, together with an itemized statement of any lawful deductions.
Q: What happens if there are other tenants on the lease?
The law protects the tenant who qualifies for early termination but does not automatically terminate the lease for remaining tenants or occupants.
The statute specifically protects landlords who, in good faith, pursue any appropriate legal remedies involving remaining tenants or occupants after the protected tenant leaves.
Landlords should carefully review the lease and consult legal counsel if questions arise regarding the obligations of remaining tenants.
Q: When must a landlord change the locks?
If a tenant or qualifying household member reasonably believes they are under an imminent threat of abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, the landlord must generally make a good faith effort to:
- Change the locks, or
- Authorize the tenant to change them,
within two business days after receiving a proper request.
A landlord may charge a reasonable fee that reflects the customary cost of changing the locks in the community.
If the alleged perpetrator is another tenant or household member, the landlord may deny that person a key after receiving the required court order.
Q: What if the landlord does not change the locks?
If the landlord fails to act within two business days, the tenant may change the locks without permission, provided they:
- Install locks in a workmanlike manner,
- Use locks of equal or better quality, and
- Provide the landlord with a key within two business days.
Q: What are the penalties for failing to comply?
A landlord who improperly prevents a qualified tenant from changing the locks, or who changes the locks but fails to provide the tenant with a key as required, may be liable for:
- Two months' rent
- Court costs
- Reasonable attorney's fees
However, the statute provides protection for landlords who act in good faith.
Q: Can a landlord refuse to rent to someone because they previously terminated a lease under this law?
No. The law prohibits landlords from refusing to enter into a rental agreement solely because an applicant previously exercised their rights under the Survivor Early Lease Termination Act or requested a lock change under the statute.
Best Practices for Landlords
To comply with the new law, landlords should consider:
- Updating internal procedures for handling requests confidentially.
- Training leasing and property management staff on the new requirements.
- Responding promptly to lock change requests.
- Maintaining secure files for sensitive documentation.
- Consulting legal counsel if there are questions regarding remaining tenants or unusual circumstances.
Resources for Survivors
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or another form of abuse, confidential help is available.
Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV)
https://www.ricadv.org
Rhode Island Victims of Crime Helpline
1-800-494-8100
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call 800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit https://www.thehotline.org
Need a quick reference? Download the Landlord Compliance Checklist for a step-by-step guide to complying with the new law.
For more information, please contact the RIAR Legal Department at [email protected].