Rhode Island Statewide Rule

Rhode Island Eviction Grounds Under State Law

Few RestrictionsApplies statewide across Rhode Island (2026)

Key Facts

Governing Act: R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18
Nonpayment Notice: 5 days
Lease Violation Notice: 20 days to cure
No-Cause Termination: 30 days notice
Self-Help Eviction: Prohibited statewide

Last verified: August 21, 2026Source: Rhode Island General Assembly

Summary

Rhode Island's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18) establishes uniform eviction grounds and procedures statewide, including no-cause termination of month-to-month tenancies with proper notice.

If any part of the stipulated rent is due and in arrears for fifteen (15) days, the landlord shall send a written notice, in a form substantially similar to that provided in § 34-18-56(a), specifying the amount of the rent which is fifteen (15) days in arrears, making demand for 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, and the landlord shall commence an eviction action in the appropriate district court or housing court.

Source: Rhode Island General AssemblyView official code

Full Breakdown

Rhode Island law permits eviction for nonpayment of rent (§ 34-18-35, with 5-day demand notice), for noncompliance with the rental agreement (§ 34-18-36, with 20-day cure notice), and for unremedied serious noncompliance (§ 34-18-36(c), 20 days). Month-to-month tenancies may be terminated without cause on 30 days notice under § 34-18-37. Rhode Island has not adopted a just-cause eviction statute. Eviction actions proceed through the District Court. Municipalities cannot impose just-cause requirements that conflict with the uniform statewide procedure under the Act's preemptive scope.

Violations & Penalties

Self-help evictions, lockouts, and utility shutoffs are prohibited under § 34-18-34; tenants may recover three months rent or treble damages plus attorneys' fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Rhode Island require just cause for eviction?

No. State law permits no-cause termination of month-to-month tenancies with 30 days written notice. Fixed-term leases require cause or expiration of the term.

How long does the eviction process take?

After the appropriate notice period (5 to 30 days), landlords file in District Court. Contested evictions typically take 4 to 8 weeks from filing to judgment.

Sources

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