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3/19/2025
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Sen. Mack and Rep. Cruz joined by Reclaim RI for ‘Just Cause Eviction’ legislation event
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 STATE HOUSE – Sen. Tiara T. Mack (D-Dist. 6, Providence) and Rep. Cherie L. Cruz (D-Dist. 58, Pawtucket) were joined by Reclaim RI yesterday at the State House to highlight their legislation (2025-S 0212, 2025-H 5503) that would provide just-cause eviction protections for tenants.
“The legislation promotes more housing and tenant stability during a time of increasing volatility within Rhode Island’s rental market. While it does not prevent bad tenants from being evicted, it does protect good hard-working individuals and families who are being treated unfairly or vindictively by unprincipled landlords and uncompassionate corporations. The legislation is a common-sense policy and laws that limit evictions without just cause can help prevent unfair evictions, limit barriers to accessing housing, and prevent homelessness. At a time when so many Rhode Islanders are struggling to acquire and retain safe and affordable housing, this bill will protect those who simply want a place to call home,” said Senator Mack.
“This bill would prohibit arbitrary evictions and prevent displacement, discrimination and retaliatory behavior by unscrupulous landlords. In our state, many tenants are forced into month-to-month leases that bring uncertainty and stress and by passing this bill, we would be halting this destabilizing practice that is affecting the almost 40 percent of Rhode Island residents who are renters. I’ve seen good, lease-abiding tenants threatened and served with eviction notices for simply requesting necessary repairs or asking to rectify unsafe living conditions. This piece of legislation would put an end to this and other unfair practices, while also helping to address Rhode Island’s ever-growing housing crisis,” said Representative Cruz.
The legislation would require landlords to have a valid and documented reason in order to evict a tenant, such as nonpayment or conducting illegal activity within the unit. The bills aim to protect tenants who pay their rent and follow the rules from being evicted from their homes.
The legislation is also part of the Rhode Island Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian-American and Pacific Islander (RIBLIA) Caucus 2025 legislative priorities package. Both Senator Mack and Representative Cruz are members of the caucus, and Senator Mack is also a co-chair of the caucus.
Representative Cruz’s bill was heard by the House Judiciary Committee yesterday, and Senator Mack’s bill has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Photo: Rep. Cherie L. Cruz, left, and Sen. Tiara T. Mack, right, at a State House rally highlighting their legislation to provide just-cause eviction protections for tenants.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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