Rhode Island Tenant Harassment Laws
Rhode Island prohibits both landlord retaliation and self-help evictions.
Key Rules
- 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
Some citations below have not been confirmed against their official source. Confirm current requirements with local legal aid or an attorney.
Applicable Statutes
Retaliation prohibited: landlord may not retaliate against tenant for reporting housing violations, organizing with tenants, or exercising other legal rights.
Source confirmed · Official state source
View archived excerpt
“Title 34Property Chapter 18Residential Landlord and Tenant Act R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-46 § 34-18-46. Retaliatory conduct prohibited. (a) Except as provided in this section, a landlord may not retaliate by increasing rent or decreasing ser…”
Self-help eviction prohibited: landlord may not remove or exclude tenant from premises without court order.
Not confirmed against its source · checked
Legal Aid Resources
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