Housing Discrimination
R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-37-2 — including source of income and being a victim of domestic abuse, and a charge within one year
Equal housing opportunity is a civil right regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, lawful source of income, military status, country of ancestral origin, disability, age or familial status.
Victims of domestic abuse. It is unlawful to discriminate against a tenant or applicant because they are a victim of domestic violence, or have sought a protective order.
An owner may refuse based on lawful source of income only in a building of three units or less where the owner lives in one.
A written, sworn charge goes to the commission for human rights within one year of the practice. After one hundred twenty days, if there is no settlement or hearing, the person may ask for the right to sue, and then has ninety days to file in superior court.
Federal fair housing law gives a separate route. A particular situation is a question for a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
Sources for this section (4)
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-37-2 — Right to equal housing opportunities; Civil rights
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-37-2.4 — Right to equal housing opportunities; Victims of domestic violence status
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-37-4.6 — Discrimination based on lawful source of income; Exemption
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-37-5 — Prevention of unlawful housing practices
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Rhode Island attorney.