Rhode Island sets no statutory cap on rent late fees, so the amount is governed by the lease. There is no formal late-fee grace period in the Act, but R.I. Gen. Laws Sec. 34-18-35 bars a nonpayment demand until rent is 15 days in arrears, creating an effective window before eviction can begin.
The Rhode Island Residential Landlord and Tenant Act does not fix a maximum late charge or a mandatory late-fee grace period, so a late fee is enforceable as agreed in the lease. The closest statutory protection is in R.I. Gen. Laws Sec. 34-18-35, which provides that rent must be 'due and in arrears for fifteen (15) days' before the landlord may send the written nonpayment demand that starts the eviction clock. That 15-day threshold functions as a grace period against eviction, not a cap on the late charge itself. Because no statute limits the dollar amount, courts evaluate late charges for reasonableness; a fee far above market norms can be challenged as an unenforceable penalty.
No specific statutory penalty for charging a late fee. A fee a court finds unreasonable may be treated as an unenforceable penalty, and a landlord cannot begin a nonpayment eviction until rent has been in arrears for 15 days under Sec. 34-18-35.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket Code Chapter 286 (adopted 1972, Ord. No. 1369) prohibits noise exceeding the ambient base level by more than 5 dBA at the property line, or sound p...
Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket's noise ordinance Chapter 286 covers animal noise under its general prohibition on unnecessary noise that disturbs the peace. Habitual barking cons...
Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket regulates construction noise through Chapter 286 general noise provisions. Construction activities must comply with the 5 dBA above ambient standar...
Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket regulates amplified music and events. Permits required for public amplification. Residential areas must comply with local noise ordinances.
Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket's zoning ordinance allows storage of recreational vehicles in private garages and sheds. Tractor trailers are prohibited in residential zones. RVs ...
Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket regulates driveway construction through building permits and zoning. Vehicles must not block sidewalks. Off-street parking requirements vary by lan...
See how Pawtucket's late fees & grace periods rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.