Rhode Island · Legal help by topic · Updated Oct 2026

Legal help in Rhode Island: get back what you're owed

Eight free guides for Rhode Island, in one place: the key facts and deadlines from each, and a direct link to the full guide. Start with the problem you have.

Small Claims Map

Small claims court in Rhode Island

If someone owes you money and won't pay, you can sue without a lawyer.

Most you can sue for
$5,000
Court
District Court
Filing fee
$76
Lawyers
Optional

Facts from Small Claims Map. About this topic

Tenant Rights Map

Renters' rights in Rhode Island

If you rent, state law sets how fast a deposit comes back, what the landlord must repair and the notice before an eviction case.

Deadline to return a deposit
20 days
Security deposit limit
1 month's rent (with exceptions)
Notice before an eviction case for unpaid rent
5 days (after rent is 15 days late)
Notice before the landlord enters
2 days

Facts from Tenant Rights Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Wage Claim Map

Unpaid wages in Rhode Island

If your employer didn't pay you, a state office may collect it for free.

File a wage claim with
Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training
Minimum wage (2026)
$16.00
Final paycheck if fired
Next payday
Deadline to file a wage claim
3 years

Facts from Wage Claim Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Lemon Car Map

Lemon law in Rhode Island

If a new car keeps going back to the shop for the same defect, the maker may owe you a refund or a replacement.

Lemon law period
12 mo / 15,000 mi
What makes it a lemon
4 repairs · 30 calendar days
Covers used cars
No
Before you sue
If maker has a program

Facts from Lemon Car Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Tax Appeal Map

Property tax appeals in Rhode Island

If your home's assessed value is too high, you can appeal it, but only within a short window.

Deadline to appeal
Nov 15 (city/town assessor)
Where you appeal first
Appeal to the city or town tax assessor
Median effective tax rate
1.21%
Median yearly tax on a home
$4,900

Open nowOpen now for 2026 bills (assessment date December 31, 2025): file with your city or town assessor by November 15, 2026. That date is a Sunday and the law does not move it to Monday, so file by Friday, November 13 to be safe; the next window covers 2027 bills and closes November 15, 2027. (as of October 21, 2026)

Facts from Tax Appeal Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Exemption Map

Property tax exemptions in Rhode Island

If you own and live in your home, you may qualify for breaks that lower your property tax. You usually have to apply.

Homestead exemption
Set locally
Homestead deadline
Set locally
Senior break
Yes
Disabled veterans
See the rules

Facts from Exemption Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Owed Map

Unclaimed money in Rhode Island

Old bank accounts, deposits, refunds and checks end up with the state. Searching and claiming is free.

Official search
Rhode Island Unclaimed Property (FindRIMoney.gov)
Held by the state
See the guide
Cost to search and claim
Free
On MissingMoney.com
Yes

Facts from Owed Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Divorce Law Map

Divorce in Rhode Island

Before you can file, one of you usually must have lived in the state for a set time, and many states make you wait before the divorce is final.

Residency before you can file
1 year (with exceptions)
Waiting period
See the guide
Filing fee
Check with your court

Facts from Divorce Law Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Deadlines at a glance in Rhode Island

Short forms of each guide's rule. Every deadline has details (when the clock starts, exceptions, how to count days): read the full rule in the guide before you rely on it. “See the guide” means our data has no short form for it.

Deadlines at a glance in Rhode Island
TopicDeadline or time limitRuleGuide
Small claims courtDeadline to sue: written contract10 yearsSmall Claims Map
Small claims courtDeadline to sue: verbal agreement10 yearsSmall Claims Map
Small claims courtDeadline to sue: property damage10 yearsSmall Claims Map
Renters' rightsDeadline to return a deposit20 daysTenant Rights Map
Renters' rightsNotice before an eviction case for unpaid rent5 days (after rent is 15 days late)Tenant Rights Map
Unpaid wagesDeadline to file a wage claim3 yearsWage Claim Map
Unpaid wagesFinal paycheck if firedNext paydayWage Claim Map
Lemon lawLemon law period12 mo / 15,000 miLemon Car Map
Lemon lawDeadlineYou must sue within 3 years of original delivery, or within 2 years of the date the car reached 15,000 miles, whichever is earlier (§ 31-5.2-12).Lemon Car Map
Property tax appealsDeadline to appealNov 15 (city/town assessor)Tax Appeal Map
Property tax exemptionsHomestead deadlineSet locallyExemption Map
Unclaimed moneyDeadline to claimSee the guideOwed Map
DivorceResidency before you can file1 year (with exceptions)Divorce Law Map
DivorceWaiting periodSee the guideDivorce Law Map

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Links checked Oct 2026. Sources are listed in how we research.

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