Rhode Island Eviction Grounds Under State Law

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 must proceed through District Court under § 34-18-39. Municipalities cannot impose just-cause requirements that conflict with the uniform statewide procedure under the Act's preemptive scope.

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.