Rhode Island Tenant Rights
Rhode Island landlord-tenant law is governed by the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (R.
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Key Laws by Topic
Eviction Laws
- Nonpayment Notice:
- 5 days written notice to pay rent or vacate
- Lease Violation Notice:
- 20-day cure-or-vacate notice for remediable violations
- Periodic Tenancy Notice:
- 30 days notice for month-to-month termination
- Rent Control:
- No statewide rent control; local ordinances may apply
Security Deposit Laws
- Limit:
- 1 month's rent maximum
- Return Deadline:
- 20 days after termination of tenancy
- Itemization Required:
- Yes — written itemized statement of deductions required
- Interest Required:
- No statewide requirement
- Bad Faith Penalty:
- Tenant may recover twice the deposit amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney's fees
Repair & Habitability Laws
- Repair And Deduct:
- Yes — available after written notice and landlord's failure to repair within a reasonable time
- Rent Withholding:
- Tenant may terminate for material habitability breach
- Notice Required:
- Written notice to landlord required before exercising remedies
- Habitability Standards:
- Weatherproofing, heating, plumbing, electrical, sanitary conditions, structural safety
Tenant Harassment Laws
- Retaliation Prohibited:
- Yes — retaliatory rent increases, evictions, and service reductions prohibited
- Self Help Prohibited:
- Yes — lockouts, utility shutoffs, and removal without court order prohibited
- Remedies:
- Actual damages, 3 months rent minimum for retaliation, attorney's fees
- Quiet Enjoyment:
- Implied covenant of quiet enjoyment in all tenancies
Notice & Entry Laws
- Notice Required:
- 2 days (48 hours) advance notice for non-emergency entry
- Permissible Entry Reasons:
- Repairs, inspections, showing unit, emergencies
- Emergency Entry:
- Permitted without advance notice for genuine emergencies
- Time Of Entry:
- Reasonable times only
Legal Aid Resources
Roger Williams University Law School Housing Clinic
Rhode Island
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Not Legal Advice. This site provides general educational information only — not legal counsel. Laws vary by location. Consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation.