Rhode Island Rent Control State Law Status

Rhode Island's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, codified at R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18, applies statewide to residential leases. The Act sets uniform rules for security deposits (§ 34-18-19), notice of rent increases (§ 34-18-16.1, generally 30 days for month-to-month tenancies, 60 days for tenants 62 and older), and habitability. Rhode Island does not have a statewide rent control law, and although the Home Rule Charter doctrine theoretically permits municipal regulation in some areas, no Rhode Island city currently enforces general rent control. Mobile home park rents are regulated separately under § 31-44.

Failure to give proper notice of rent increases under § 34-18-16.1 invalidates the increase; security deposit violations can require return of double the deposit under § 34-18-19.