Helpful laws and Acts
There are many different laws and acts in place to protect both the tenant and the landlord to ensure a successful relationship. It is important to educate your client about the Rhode Island Landlord Act which lays out the responsibilities of both the tenant and the landlord. It also states fees and what happens with evictions and code violations. It would be helpful if you would download and copy the Landlord/Tenant Handbook for your client to keep with their important documents. The Fair Housing Act is another important piece of legislation that tenants should know about, particularly in regards to housing discrimination. Additionally, Rhode Island has now passed legislation making it illegal to not rent to someone due to their “source of income”.
Code requirements
It is important to help your client with the move in process and ensure that the house is up to date with code requirements. Click here for a Housing Code Checklist. For example in the kitchen, Rhode Island code requires that the sink works, there are at least two electrical outlets and connections for a stove/refrigerator. In the bathroom making sure the tub/shower/sink all work, plumbing works, at least one outlet. For doors and windows it is important that every room has one window, and that blinds are included. For heat in the home the thermostat has to be able to get to at least 68 degrees, and unvented flame space heaters are illegal. There also must be at least two fire exits, no large cracks on the building, and no bugs, rats, or mice.
When issues Occur
If anything is wrong with the apartment or issues occur it is best to have your client contact the landlord. Remind your client to give the landlord a reasonable amount of time before escalating the issue. If the landlord does not repair if it is a small issue your client can fix it themselves and deduct is from their montly rent up to $125. To do that you must keep all receipts and provide the landlord with a copy. If a major repair is not made then it is best for the case manager to take over.
Moving Out
If your client choose to move out of their home they need to leave the apartment clean and to take photos of the way they left it. Having your client do a walk through with the landlord can ensure that they know how the property was left and can avoid mix ups. Also, it’s a good idea to have your client with the USPS to have their mail forwarded to their next address to ensure that nothing gets lost. The change of address can be done online.