Legal
Rhode Island laws, tenant rights, courts, and legal resources.
32 articles
Rhode Island eviction process explained 2026
The Rhode Island eviction process in 2026 requires landlords to provide written notice (typically 20 days for non-payment of rent or 30 days for other lease violations), then file a complaint with the District Court serving their municipality, paying a $60 filing fee. After the tenant receives the summons, a hearing is scheduled within 10-20 days, and if the landlord wins, they receive a judgment allowing the sheriff or constable to physically remove the tenant typically 5 days after the judgment, though this timeline can extend to 30-60 days depending on court backlogs and procedural delays.
How to get a restraining order in Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, you can obtain a restraining order by filing a petition at the District Court or Family Court in the county where you or the respondent lives. You'll need to complete the appropriate forms, appear before a judge (often on the same day for emergency orders), and demonstrate that you've been a victim of domestic abuse, stalking, or harassment. The process is free, and temporary orders can be issued immediately, with full hearings scheduled within 21 days to determine if a final restraining order should be granted for up to one year.
Rhode Island gun and firearm laws 2026
Rhode Island has some of the strictest gun laws in the nation, requiring permits for concealed carry, background checks for all firearm purchases including private sales, and a "red flag" law allowing temporary firearm removal from individuals deemed dangerous. As of 2026, Rhode Island requires a Blue Card (pistol/revolver purchase certificate) to buy handguns, mandates a 7-day waiting period for handgun purchases, and bans certain assault weapons and high-capacity magazines over 10 rounds.
How to expunge a record in Rhode Island
Rhode Island allows expungement of criminal records under specific circumstances outlined in R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-1.3. Individuals may file a petition with the Superior Court in the county where they were arrested or convicted, with eligibility depending on factors including the type of offense, time elapsed since conviction or dismissal, and criminal history. Filing fees are typically $120, though fee waivers are available for those who qualify based on income.
Rhode Island nursing home abuse resources
Rhode Island nursing home residents who experience abuse can report incidents to the Rhode Island Department of Health's Division of Facilities Regulation at (401) 222-2566 or the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program at (401) 785-3340. The state's Office of the Attorney General also investigates nursing home abuse through its Civil Rights Unit at (401) 274-4400, and victims can pursue civil claims through personal injury attorneys who specialize in elder abuse cases throughout Providence, Warwick, and other communities.
Best family law attorneys in Rhode Island
Rhode Island has numerous experienced family law attorneys practicing throughout the state, with concentrations in Providence, Warwick, and Newport. Top-rated family law practitioners include firms like Bilodeau Capalbo in Lincoln, Assalone & Mastandrea in Cranston, and Kirshenbaum Law Associates in Providence, among others. These attorneys handle divorce, custody, child support, domestic violence matters, and modifications throughout Rhode Island's Family Court system, which has locations in Providence, Warwick, Newport, and Woonsocket.
Rhode Island landlord tenant law explained
Rhode Island landlord-tenant law is primarily governed by Title 34 of the Rhode Island General Laws, which establishes specific rights and responsibilities for both parties. Key provisions include required security deposit limits (one month's rent), mandatory lead paint disclosures, specific eviction procedures through District Court, and habitability standards that landlords must maintain. The law also requires landlords to provide at least two days' notice before entering a rental unit and mandates specific timeframes for returning security deposits after a tenant moves out.
How to file for divorce in Rhode Island
To file for divorce in Rhode Island, you must first meet the state's residency requirement of living in Rhode Island for at least one year before filing, or if the grounds for divorce occurred in Rhode Island and one spouse currently lives here. You'll need to file a Complaint for Divorce at the Family Court in the county where either spouse resides, pay a filing fee of approximately $160, and serve your spouse with the divorce papers. Rhode Island offers both fault-based and no-fault divorce options, with the most common being irreconcilable differences that have caused the breakdown of the marriage.
Rhode Island workers compensation guide
Rhode Island workers' compensation is a mandatory insurance system that provides medical benefits and wage replacement to employees injured on the job, regardless of fault. All Rhode Island employers with one or more employees must carry workers' compensation insurance through private carriers or self-insurance, administered by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training's Workers' Compensation Division located at 1 Dorrance Plaza in Providence. Injured workers typically receive two-thirds of their average weekly wage (up to a maximum set annually) and full coverage of medical expenses related to their workplace injury.
Rhode Island estate planning basics guide
Estate planning in Rhode Island involves creating legal documents like wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to manage your assets and healthcare decisions. Rhode Island has specific probate laws, including a simplified probate process for estates under $15,000 and no state estate tax since 2010, though federal estate tax may apply to estates exceeding $13.61 million (2024). Working with a Rhode Island-licensed estate planning attorney ensures your documents comply with state law and protect your family's interests.
Rhode Island tenant rights guide 2026
Rhode Island tenant rights are governed by the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18), which provides comprehensive protections including mandatory habitability standards, security deposit limits of one month's rent, and required written rental agreements for leases over one year. Tenants have the right to a safe, habitable dwelling, protection against retaliatory eviction, and proper notice before lease termination—30 days for month-to-month tenancies and specific timeframes based on lease terms for fixed leases.
Rhode Island Short-Term Rental Rules: Airbnb and VRBO Laws by Town (2026)
Rhode Island requires most short-term rental operators to register annually with the RI Department of Business Regulation and collect state hotel and sales taxes. On top of that, individual towns — especially Newport, Narragansett, South Kingstown, and Westerly — impose their own registration, occupancy, parking, and zoning rules, and some restrict rentals to owner-occupied properties. Always check your town's ordinance before listing.