Providence tenants are protected from harassment and retaliation through Rhode Island General Laws Chapter 34-18 and city Just Cause Eviction enforcement under Chapter 17 Section 17-216.
Tenant anti-harassment protections in Providence rest mainly on Rhode Island General Laws Chapter 34-18, which prohibits retaliatory conduct after a tenant files a code complaint, joins a tenant organization, or asserts statutory rights. Layered on top, Providence's Just Cause Eviction Ordinance under Section 17-216 limits pretextual non-renewals that can function as harassment. Tactics such as shutting off utilities, removing doors, changing locks, or repeated unjustified entries violate state law and can trigger fines and damages. Tenants can seek relief in Rhode Island District Court and may also report to Providence Inspection and Standards.
Harassment and self-help eviction tactics can result in damages, attorney fees, restraining orders, and additional Providence code action against the property.
Providence, RI
Providence Code Chapter 17, Section 17-216, adopted in 2017, requires landlords to state and document a just cause before terminating or refusing to renew ce...
Providence, RI
Providence requires landlords to register residential rental properties with the city so units can be tracked for code, lead-safety, and just-cause-eviction ...
See how Providence's tenant anti-harassment rules stack up against other locations.
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