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6/23/2026
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Assembly to study state’s condo laws
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STATE HOUSE – A special commission will study potential modernization of and updates to the state’s Condominium Act under legislation sponsored by Rep. June S. Speakman and Sen. Bridget Valverde and signed by the governor on Friday.
The legislation (2026-H 8008A, 2026-S 2906A) was included in the legislative package backed by House leaders to address the state’s housing crisis.
The joint resolution establishes a 16-member commission including representatives and senators, the state’s housing secretary and stakeholders from groups representing a variety of housing interests, including municipal leaders, mortgage lenders, insurers, builders, condo association management service providers and condo owners.
The group is to study existing challenges connected to current condominium laws; potential changes to allow for greater participation in condominium governance; efficiency, transparency and accountability within condominium management and improved long-term affordability of condos for all owners and associations. The panel is to issue its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by Dec. 31, 2027.
“While condominiums are generally considered a more affordable option than the traditional single-family home, the Housing Affordability Commission has learned that they are, in some instances, becoming less affordable due to rising fees and escalating maintenance and insurance costs. The commission has also heard testimony from condo owners about management, budgeting and governance in some communities. The condo commission allows for focused evaluation of Rhode Island’s condo laws to make sure they provide optimal protection to the affordability and viability of condo ownership in our state,” said Representative Speakman (D-Dist. 68, Warren, Bristol), who chairs the House’s Commission on Housing Affordability.
Said Sen. Bridget Valverde (D-Dist. 35, North Kingstown, East Greenwich, South Kingstown), “There are many areas of condo law that could use updating, but in particular, there needs to be some consideration of cost-containment for deed-restricted units that are supposed to be affordable. People shouldn’t be priced out of “affordable” units by unaffordable condo fees that they can’t control.”
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923
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