When the Landlord Retaliates
R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-46 — a complaint within six months before a rent hike or eviction is presumed to be the reason
- Complaining to a code enforcement agency about a violation affecting health and safety.
- Complaining to the landlord about the landlord's duties.
- Organizing or joining a tenants' union.
- Using any other lawful right or remedy.
A landlord may not raise rent, cut services, or bring or threaten an eviction because a tenant did any of those. A tenant who is retaliated against has the lockout remedies and a defense to the eviction.
Six months. Evidence of a complaint within six months before the landlord's act creates a presumption of retaliation, unless the complaint came after notice of the increase or cut.
The section lists cases where an eviction may go forward anyway. A particular situation is a question for a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-46 — Retaliatory conduct prohibited
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.