Tenant Rights RI - Updated 2025 Strong Tenant Protections

Rhode Island Tenant Eviction Rights: Know Your Protections

Facing eviction in Rhode Island? This guide explains your legal rights, the eviction process, how to respond to notices, and resources available to help you.

Your Rights Are Protected
In Rhode Island, only a court can legally evict you. Your landlord cannot change your locks, shut off utilities, or remove your belongings without a court order. If they do, they're breaking the law.

Non-Payment Notice

5 days

to pay or respond

Violation Notice

20 days

to cure or respond

Month-to-Month

30 days

advance notice required

Court Process

14-21 days

typical timeline

Illegal Eviction Tactics in Rhode Island

Your landlord CANNOT do any of these without a court order:

Change your locks
Shut off water, electricity, or gas
Remove your belongings

Remove doors or windows
Physically force you out
Threaten or harass you

If your landlord does any of these: Document it (photos, videos, witnesses), call the police if you feel unsafe, and contact a tenant rights attorney. You may be entitled to significant damages.

What to Do When You Receive an Eviction Notice

Immediate Steps:

Don't panic. You have rights and options. The notice is not an eviction - only a court can evict you.
Read it carefully. Note the reason, the deadline, and what action is required.
Check if it's valid. Does it have all required information? Was it served properly under RI law?
Calculate your deadline. In Rhode Island, you typically have 5 days for non-payment or 20 days for violations.

Your Options:

Option 1: Cure the Issue

If you can pay the rent or fix the violation within the notice period, the eviction stops. Get written confirmation from your landlord.

Option 2: Negotiate

Talk to your landlord about a payment plan, more time, or a mutual move-out agreement. Get everything in writing.

Option 3: Fight in Court

If you have defenses (improper notice, retaliation, discrimination, habitability issues), you can contest the eviction in court.

Your Legal Defenses in Rhode Island

Procedural Defenses:

Improper notice: Notice didn't meet RI requirements
Wrong notice type: Landlord used wrong notice for the situation
Improper service: Notice wasn't delivered correctly
Math errors: Rent amount or dates are incorrect

Substantive Defenses:

Retaliation: Eviction is payback for complaints or exercising rights
Discrimination: Based on race, religion, family status, disability, etc.
Habitability: Landlord failed to maintain safe/livable conditions
Payment made: You paid rent before deadline

Rhode Island has strong tenant protection laws. You may have additional defenses based on local ordinances, rent control, or "just cause" eviction requirements.

Get Help in Rhode Island

Legal Aid: Search "legal aid Rhode Island" for free legal help
Tenant Rights Organizations: Local groups can advise you on RI laws
211 Hotline: Call 211 for emergency housing resources
Rhode Island Bar Association: Lawyer referral services

Rental Assistance

If you're behind on rent, financial help may be available:

Rhode Island Emergency Rental Assistance
Section 8 Housing Vouchers
Local nonprofit programs
Faith-based assistance
Utility assistance programs

Know Your Rights

Download our free Rhode Island Tenant Rights checklist and eviction response guide.

Get Resources