For nonpayment, R.I. Gen. Laws Sec. 34-18-35 lets a landlord send a demand only after rent is 15 days in arrears, then the tenant has 5 days from mailing to cure before the lease terminates. For other lease violations, Sec. 34-18-36 requires a written demand giving the tenant 20 days to remedy the breach.
Under R.I. Gen. Laws Sec. 34-18-35, when rent is 'due and in arrears for fifteen (15) days,' the landlord sends written notice demanding the rent and 'notifying the tenant that unless he or she cures the breach within five (5) days of the date of mailing of the notice, the rental agreement shall terminate'; suit may not be filed before the sixth day after mailing. For a non-rent breach, Sec. 34-18-36 requires a written demand stating 'that unless the breach is remedied within twenty (20) days of mailing of the notice the rental agreement shall terminate' on a date at least 21 days after mailing. If the tenant cures within the period, the tenancy continues; otherwise the landlord files for eviction. Self-help eviction is prohibited.
A landlord who uses self-help (lockout, utility shutoff, or removing belongings) instead of court eviction is liable; the tenant may recover possession plus actual damages of not less than an amount equal to one month's periodic rent and reasonable attorney's fees under the Act.
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