Legal
Rhode Island laws, tenant rights, courts, and legal resources.
32 articles
Rhode Island security deposit laws explained
Rhode Island security deposit laws are governed by Rhode Island General Laws § 34-18-19, which limits security deposits to one month's rent and requires landlords to hold deposits in a separate, interest-bearing account at a Rhode Island financial institution. Landlords must return the deposit within 20 days after the tenant moves out, along with an itemized statement of any deductions and any accrued interest, or they risk owing double damages plus attorney's fees.
Rhode Island child custody laws guide
Rhode Island child custody laws prioritize the best interests of the child when determining custody arrangements, with no presumption favoring either parent based on gender. Rhode Island Family Court has jurisdiction over all custody matters, and judges consider factors including the child's relationship with each parent, the child's adjustment to home and school, the mental and physical health of all parties, and each parent's willingness to foster a relationship with the other parent. Rhode Island recognizes both legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical custody (where the child lives), which can be awarded solely to one parent or jointly to both.
Rhode Island Lead Paint Laws: What Renters and Landlords Need to Know
Rhode Island has some of the oldest housing stock in the country, and state law requires most landlords of pre-1978 rental properties to obtain a Certificate of Lead Conformance and to disclose known lead hazards to tenants. Families with young children can request free or low-cost lead inspections and blood-lead testing through RIDOH, and tenants have legal remedies — including through Rhode Island Legal Services — when landlords fail to comply.
Rhode Island personal injury lawsuit guide
Rhode Island personal injury lawsuits must be filed within three years of the injury date for most cases, as established by Rhode Island General Laws § 9-1-14. The state follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover damages only if you're less than 50% at fault for your injuries. Cases are typically filed in the Rhode Island Superior Court system, with locations in Providence, Kent County (Warwick), Washington County (West Kingston), Newport, and Bristol, and damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages.
Rhode Island traffic ticket appeal guide
To appeal a traffic ticket in Rhode Island, you must request a trial within 20 days of receiving your citation by checking the "not guilty" box on the ticket and mailing it to the appropriate municipal or district court, or by appearing in person at the court. The Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal, located at 345 Harris Avenue in Providence, handles most moving violations and equipment violations, while parking tickets and some municipal violations are handled by individual city or town courts. Appeal hearings typically occur 4-8 weeks after filing, and you have the right to present evidence, call witnesses, and cross-examine the citing officer.
How to write a will in Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, you can write a valid will if you're at least 18 years old and of sound mind by either handwriting it (holographic will), typing it and having two competent witnesses sign in your presence, or working with an attorney. Rhode Island law (Title 33, Chapter 5 of the General Laws) doesn't require notarization for a basic will, though adding a self-proving affidavit can streamline probate at the Rhode Island Probate Court. The state recognizes both self-made wills and attorney-drafted documents as long as they meet formal requirements.
Rhode Island power of attorney guide
A power of attorney (POA) in Rhode Island is a legal document governed by Rhode Island General Laws Title 34, Chapter 22, that allows you to appoint someone (called an "agent" or "attorney-in-fact") to make decisions on your behalf regarding finances, property, or healthcare. Rhode Island recognizes both durable financial powers of attorney and healthcare powers of attorney (also called healthcare proxies), and while notarization is not legally required, it's strongly recommended for financial POAs and required for recording real estate transactions at your local city or town hall.
Rhode Island business law basics for startups
Rhode Island startups must register with the Rhode Island Secretary of State's office, choosing from business structures including LLC, Corporation, or Sole Proprietorship, with filing fees ranging from $150 for LLCs to $230 for corporations. All businesses operating in Rhode Island need to obtain necessary licenses through the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, register for state taxes with the Division of Taxation, and comply with employment laws if hiring workers. The entire registration process can be initiated online through the Rhode Island Business Portal at business.ri.gov.