R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 42-11.2 § 42-11.2-2
Legislative purpose
Operative Text
The general assembly recognizes and declares the following purpose for enacting this chapter: (1) There exists a serious shortage of decent, safe, and sanitary rental housing units that are available at rents affordable to low-income families in Rhode Island. Many families are denied access to decent housing because they are unable to meet the higher cost of rent. Rising housing costs in Rhode Island force low-income families to live in unsafe, substandard units; commit such an unreasonably high percentage of their income for rent that they deprive themselves of the other necessities of life; or, worse, find themselves without housing. The inadequacy in the supply of decent, safe, and sanitary affordable rental housing endangers the public health and jeopardizes the public safety, general welfare, and good of the entire state. (2) Federal housing assistance programs have not been able to meet the need to preserve existing rental units or construct new rental units for occupancy by low-income families. There is a compelling need to provide housing for low-income families in the state of Rhode Island. A rental assistance program is hereby established to be administered by the executive department to help provide low-income families with the opportunity to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing.
Rhode Island General Laws § 42-11.2-2 sets out the legislature's stated rationale for creating a state rental assistance program. The provision identifies a documented shortage of affordable, safe rental housing for low-income families in Rhode Island, noting that federal programs have been insufficient to address the gap. It formally declares that this shortage threatens public health, safety, and general welfare, and establishes a rental assistance program to be administered by the state's executive department.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Section 42-11.2-2 reflects Rhode Island's legislative recognition that affordable housing availability is a statewide concern, not merely a private market matter. Property owners and managers operating in Rhode Island should be aware that this chapter's purpose provision underpins a state-administered rental assistance program aimed at expanding access to decent, safe, and sanitary housing for low-income residents. Understanding the legislative intent behind § 42-11.2-2 can help operators anticipate the policy environment in which related rental assistance rules and requirements are interpreted and applied.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Rhode Island General Laws § 42-11.2-2 formally acknowledges that low-income families face serious barriers to accessing safe and affordable rental housing, and that this situation has statewide public health and welfare implications. The provision establishes the foundation for a state rental assistance program administered through the executive department, which may offer resources to eligible low-income renters. Tenants who believe they may qualify for assistance under this chapter can explore available programs through Rhode Island state housing agencies or consult a tenant-rights organization familiar with § 42-11.2-2 and related provisions.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 15, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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