R.I. Gen. Laws Sec. 34-18-22 requires landlords to keep rentals fit and habitable, meet building and housing codes, maintain common areas and major systems, and supply running water, reasonable hot water, and heat from October 1 to May 1. Tenants may terminate, recover damages, or secure essential services and deduct the cost under Sec. 34-18-28 to 34-18-31.
Under R.I. Gen. Laws Sec. 34-18-22, a landlord must 'make all repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition,' comply with building and housing codes affecting health and safety, keep common areas clean and safe, maintain electrical, plumbing, and heating facilities, and supply 'running water and reasonable amounts of hot water at all times' plus reasonable heat from October 1 to May 1. If a landlord fails to supply an essential service, Sec. 34-18-31 lets the tenant secure heat, water, hot water, electric, or gas and deduct the actual, reasonable cost from rent, or procure substitute housing capped at the periodic rent. Sections 34-18-28 and 34-18-30 allow termination and damages for material noncompliance.
For a material breach affecting health and safety, the tenant may deliver written notice and terminate if the landlord fails to cure (Sec. 34-18-28), recover damages and obtain injunctive relief (Sec. 34-18-30), or secure essential services and deduct the cost from rent (Sec. 34-18-31).
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