Rhode Island Statewide Rule
Rhode Island Landlord Entry Rules (R.I. Gen. Laws Sec. 34-18-26)
Key Facts
- Notice required
- At least 2 days (Sec. 34-18-26)
- Timing
- Reasonable times only
- Emergency
- Entry allowed without notice
- Tenant absent 7+ days
- Entry to protect premises allowed
Summary
Under R.I. Gen. Laws Sec. 34-18-26, a Rhode Island landlord must give the tenant at least two days' notice before entering the unit for inspections, repairs, services, or showings, and may enter only at reasonable times. No notice is required in an emergency. Tenants may not unreasonably withhold consent.
§ 34-18-26. Access. (a) A tenant shall not unreasonably withhold consent to the landlord to enter into the dwelling unit in order to inspect the premises, make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations, or improvements, supply necessary or agreed services, or exhibit the dwelling unit to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workers, or contractors. (b) A landlord may enter the dwelling unit without consent of the tenant in case of emergency, or, during any absence of the tenant in excess of seven (7) days, if reasonably necessary for the protection of the property. (c) A landlord shall not abuse the right of access or use it to harass the tenant. Except in case of emergency or unless it is impracticable to do so, the landlord shall give the tenant at least two (2) days’ notice of his or her intent to enter and may enter only at reasonable times. (d) A landlord has no other right of access except: (1) Pursuant to court order; (2) As permitted by § 34-18-39; or (3) Unless the tenant has abandoned or surrendered the premises. History of Section. P.L. 1986, ch. 200, § 2.
Full Breakdown
R.I. Gen. Laws Sec. 34-18-26 allows a landlord to enter to inspect, make repairs, improvements or alterations, supply services, or show the unit to prospective tenants, purchasers, mortgagees, workers, or contractors, and provides that 'the landlord shall give the tenant at least two (2) days' notice of his or her intent to enter and enter only at reasonable times.' The two-day notice does not apply in an emergency or when giving notice is impracticable. A landlord may also enter without consent if the tenant is absent for more than seven days and entry is reasonably necessary to protect the premises. The landlord may not abuse the right of access or use repeated demands for entry to harass the tenant.
Violations & Penalties
A tenant subjected to unlawful entry or repeated harassing entry demands may obtain injunctive relief, terminate the rental agreement, and recover actual damages of not less than an amount equal to one month's rent plus reasonable attorney's fees under the Act.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much notice must a Rhode Island landlord give before entering?
Can a Rhode Island landlord enter without permission?
Sources
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