Rhode Island eviction rules for tenants

Notice for unpaid rent

When rent is 15 days late, the landlord must mail a 5-day demand notice. If you pay the full rent owed (not late fees) within 5 days of the mailing, the eviction stops. The landlord can file no earlier than the 6th day after mailing. If you haven't received a demand notice in the past 6 months, you can still stop the case by paying all rent owed plus court costs at the hearing.

Notice for a lease violation

Written notice giving you 20 days from mailing to fix the problem (cure); the lease ends on a date at least 21 days after mailing if you don't. A repeat of the same breach within 6 months allows a 20-day notice with no chance to cure. For some serious violations of your duties under § 34-18-24(8)-(10), and for certain seasonal tenants, the landlord may file for eviction without any notice (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-36).

Ending a month-to-month tenancy

At least 30 days' written notice by landlord or tenant. Week-to-week: 10 days. Year-to-year: 3 months before the year ends.

Time to respond to an eviction lawsuit

Nonpayment cases: you may file your answer before or at the hearing date on the summons; if you don't answer or appear, you lose by default. Other evictions: you have 20 days from service to file a written answer.

Lockouts and utility shutoffs

A landlord may not lock you out or cut off heat, water, hot water, electricity, gas or other essential services to make you leave. You can get back in or end the lease and recover up to 3 months' rent or three times your actual damages, whichever is greater, plus attorney fees.

Court self-help

The court's eviction self-help page

Law

R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 34-18-34, 34-18-35, 34-18-36, 34-18-37, 34-18-44

The landlord may not raise rent, cut services, or file or threaten eviction because you complained to a code agency, complained to the landlord about repairs, joined a tenant union, or used any legal right. A complaint within 6 months before the landlord's action creates a presumption of retaliation. You get the lockout remedies (up to 3 months' rent or triple damages). R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-46.

Notice of a rent increase

At least 60 days' written notice before any rent increase. At least 120 days for month-to-month tenants over 62. (Not for assisted or independent living facilities.) R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-16.1.

Rent control

No statewide rent control or rent cap.