Rent control rules in Providence, RI — also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances — limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.
Rhode Island General Laws Title 34, Chapter 18 partially preempts local rent regulation, leaving Providence without classic rent control while still permitting inclusionary zoning and tenant protections.
Rhode Island General Laws Chapter 34-18, the state's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, sets the floor for rent and eviction rules and partially preempts municipal rent control. Providence therefore cannot cap general market rents the way some Massachusetts or California cities did historically. The city instead relies on inclusionary zoning under Chapter 35 Section 35-23, just-cause eviction under Chapter 17 Section 17-216, and lead-safe and habitability enforcement to influence affordability. Tenants who believe a rent increase is retaliatory still have remedies under state landlord-tenant law and city anti-retaliation provisions.
Attempts to enforce a non-existent local rent cap will fail, but landlords using rent increases as retaliation for code complaints can face damages under Rhode Island Title 34-18.
Providence, RI
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Providence, RI
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Providence, RI
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See how Providence's rent control rules stack up against other locations.
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