The legislative committee will take testimony Thursday on a bill from State Rep Cherie Cruz that seeks to eliminate housing rental fees.
Those fees are a continued burden to those trying to get stable housing in the state.
“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 is part of House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi’s 14-bill package of legislation to address Rhode Island’s housing crisis.
The bill will be heard by the House Municipal Government and Housing Committee.
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