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Amends the residential landlord and tenant act to prohibit the use of algorithmic renting-setting software that relies on nonpublic competitor data to determine rental prices or occupancy levels for residential dwelling units in Rhode Island.
In one paragraph
Rhode Island's H 7129 would have added R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-63 making it unlawful for any person to use a revenue management device (rent-optimization software that uses nonpublic competitor data) or nonpublic competitor data to set, recommend or determine rents or occupancy levels for residential units. A violation would have been an unfair or deceptive trade practice enforceable by the attorney general. Introduced January 15, 2026 and referred to House Judiciary; withdrawn at the sponsor's request, recorded 03/14/2026 (the status report also shows 03/18/2026 in parentheses).
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
None: the bill did not pass. Landlords and property managers would have been barred from using rent-optimization software that relies on nonpublic competitor data, with attorney general enforcement.
Key provisions
- Would add § 34-18-63 to the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
- Nonpublic competitor data: information the general public cannot access, such as actual rents, occupancy levels or lease dates, whether or not attributed to a competitor
- Revenue management device: software using automated processes and nonpublic competitor data to advise a landlord whether to leave a unit vacant or what rent to charge; aggregated or historical reports and affordable-housing rent-limit tools excluded
- Unlawful for any person or entity to use such a device or data to set, recommend or determine rents or occupancy levels for residential units in the state
- A violation would be an unfair or deceptive trade practice under chapter 13.1 of title 6; the attorney general could seek injunctive relief, civil penalties, restitution and costs, and private rights of action would be preserved
- The bill would have taken effect upon passage
- History: introduced and referred to House Judiciary January 15, 2026; withdrawn at sponsor's request, recorded 03/14/2026 (status report also shows 03/18/2026 in parentheses)
Latest legislative action
Mar 14, 2026. Withdrawn at sponsor's request (03/18/2026)
Sponsors (showing 5 of 9)
| Name | Role | District |
|---|---|---|
| Cherie Cruz D | Sponsor | HD-058 |
| David Morales D | Sponsor | HD-007 |
| Edith Ajello D | Sponsor | HD-001 |
| Jenni Azanero Furtado D | Sponsor | HD-064 |
| Jennifer Stewart D | Sponsor | HD-059 |
Topics and industries
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Affected industries
This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error