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6/18/2025
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Assembly OKs bill that would make it easier for homeowners’ associations to purchase leased land
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STATE HOUSE — The General Assembly today approved legislation introduced by Rep. Joseph M. McNamara and Sen. Matthew L. LaMountain that would make it easier for homeowners’ associations to purchase land that its members are currently leasing.
The bill (2025-H 5299, 2025-S 1053) would direct Rhode Island Housing to work with the Department of Housing, the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank, and other appropriate entities to investigate and determine ways to further assist an incorporated homeowners’ association to exercise rights to purchase leased land pursuant to the right of first refusal.
“Residents who own homes on leased land that belong to aging families may find themselves in situations where that land passes to some corporate interest,” said Representative McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston), whose district includes homesteads on leased land. “This allows incorporated associations of homeowners, which already have the right of first refusal under the law, to work with housing agencies to understand their rights, identify the barriers to transferring these kinds of properties to the homeowners’ association, and make recommendations on how to address these issues and barriers. Ultimately, this is legislation that helps keep people in their homes.”
“Residents in these types of homes are used to dealing with the same owners or their families for decades,” said Senator LaMountain (D-Dist. 31, Warwick, Cranston). “When that property goes up for sale, the residents could potentially find themselves living on land that is now owned by a corporation. This legislation gives those homeowners a clear guiding hand through the process of land transferral.”
The measure now moves to the governor’s office.
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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