Assembly approves Sen. Gu, Rep. Cortvriend shoreline access education bill

STATE HOUSE — The General Assembly today approved legislation from Sen. Victoria Gu and Rep. Terri Cortvriend to educate tenants and short-term rental guests about public shoreline access rights.

“This bill expands upon the work we’ve done to codify shoreline access and educate buyers of shoreline property about the public’s right to access the shore,” said Senator Gu (D-Dist. 38, Westerly, Charlestown, South Kingstown). “Many Rhode Islanders have called our attention to online listings for beachfront rental properties that incorrectly advertise a “private beach. This is an important consumer protection and education measure to ensure that people renting ocean front real estate understand the public’s right to access the shoreline.”

Senator Gu and Representative Cortvriend sponsored a new law in 2024 that requires similar disclosure to buyers of shoreline property. This year’s bill (2026-S 2734B, 2026-H 8110A) would extend this disclosure to tenants of shoreline properties, requiring landlords to provide renters with written shoreline access disclosure before the start of tenancy.

“The General Assembly has made important progress over the last three years to define and protect the public’s constitutional right to enjoy the shoreline, but we still have work to do,” said Representative Cortvriend (D-Dist. 72, Portsmouth, Middletown). “This act affirms the public’s rights by ensuring that coastal renters won’t be surprised by existing public access near their home after they move in. This should lead to happier tenants and less confrontation and confusion on Rhode Island’s beaches.”

The disclosure would include the public’s rights and privileges to the shore up to 10 feet above the recognizable high tide line, requires the landlord to disclose any known rights of way to the tenant and advise the tenant to contact CRMC to find out if any public rights of way or permits are tied to the property.

The bill would also require a streamlined disclosure for short-term rentals regarding the public’s rights to access the shoreline that would be clearly displayed in the listing for the rental or provided to the occupant in writing before the beginning of their stay.

The legislation now goes to the governor for his consideration.