Rhode Island’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (RI Gen. Laws Title 34, Chapter 18) governs renting and owning relationships, outlining rights and responsibilities for both tenants and landlords to ensure habitable housing and fair practices.​
Tenant Rights
Tenants have the right to safe, habitable housing free from health hazards, with working utilities and timely repairs for vital issues. Landlords must provide 48 hours’ notice before entry, 30 days’ written notice for rent increases or lease changes, and return security deposits within 20 days of move-out, itemizing any deductions. Tenants are protected from discrimination, retaliatory evictions, and can use remedies like rent withholding or “repair and deduct” for serious habitability problems.​
Landlord Responsibilities
Landlords must maintain properties in compliance with safety codes, make timely repairs, keep common areas clean, and disclose lead-based paint hazards, housing code violations, and property management contacts. Starting January 1, 2025, convenience fees for rent payments (e.g., credit card) are prohibited unless a fee-free option is offered, and all fees beyond base rent must be clearly listed in the lease or a written notice. Landlords can collect rent, screen tenants, and evict for cause but must follow notice periods, such as 15 days for nonpayment before formal demands.​
Key Differences: Renting vs. Owning
Rhode Island tenants must pay rent on time, report issues promptly, keep units clean, and give proper notice before vacating, while owners enforce leases but comply with state protections. For full details, consult the Rhode Island Landlord-Tenant Handbook from the Department of Housing.
SOURCES
[1](https://innago.com/rhode-island-landlord-tenant-laws/)
[2](https://www.rirealtors.org/news/2024/07/09/news/new-law-regulates-fees-charged-by-landlords-effective-on-january-1-2025/)
[3](https://www.hemlane.com/resources/rhode-island-tenant-landlord-law/)
[4](https://ipropertymanagement.com/laws/rhode-island-landlord-tenant-rights)
[5](https://housing.ri.gov/media/2591/download)
