'Just cause' eviction legislation becomes law in Rhode Island

Newly-passed legislation in Rhode Island prevents mortgage lenders that foreclose on a property from evicting residents without "just cause."

The bill was the work of the Tenant and Homeowner Association, a committee under Direct Action for Rights and Equality, or DARE.{}

The "just cause" bill has been in the works for six years, and is based on a similar law passed in Massachusetts in 2010.

"Just cause" is defined under the Landlord-Tenant Act.

Before the bill passed, tenants of a home were evicted upon foreclosure, something advocates say led to a spike in homelessness and abandoned property.

The law also require foreclosing lenders to follow the Landlord-Tenant Act, and maintain healthy and safe living conditions.