Rhode Island Eviction Notice Overview
Rhode Island's eviction laws are governed by the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 34-18). The state does not use a 10-day notice period for any standard eviction ground. For non-payment of rent, landlords must provide a 5-day notice under Section 34-18-35. For lease violations, a 20-day notice is required under Section 34-18-36(e).
As the smallest state geographically, Rhode Island has a relatively compact court system. All eviction cases are heard in Rhode Island District Court, with divisions covering Providence, Kent, Washington, and Newport counties. Rhode Island's tenant protections are moderate compared to neighboring Massachusetts and Connecticut, but the state provides cure rights for both non-payment and lease violations on the first offense.
5 Days
Non-payment notice
$45-$80
Filing fees
20 Days
Lease violations
5-8 wks
Total process
Rhode Island's Actual Notice Periods
RI Does Not Use 10-Day Notices
Rhode Island's non-payment notice period is 5 days, not 10. Serving a 10-day notice for non-payment would give the tenant more time than the statutory minimum and would likely be upheld, but it is not the standard form and may signal unfamiliarity with Rhode Island law. Always use the correct statutory period.
| Eviction Reason | Notice Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Non-payment of rent | 5 days | R.I. Gen. Laws §34-18-35 |
| Lease violations (first offense) | 20 days (with cure) | R.I. Gen. Laws §34-18-36(e) |
| Repeat violation within 6 months | 20 days (no cure) | R.I. Gen. Laws §34-18-36(e) |
| Month-to-month termination | 30 days | R.I. Gen. Laws §34-18-37 |
Rhode Island Legal Requirements
Rhode Island eviction notices must comply with the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. The notice must be in writing, identify the reason for eviction, and provide the correct statutory cure period.
- Written Notice: Must be in writing. Verbal notices are insufficient under Rhode Island law
- Tenant and Property: Include the tenant's name and the rental property address
- Amount Owed: For non-payment, specify the exact amount of unpaid rent by month
- Cure Period: State the correct statutory period (5 days for non-payment, 20 days for violations)
- Consequence: Warn that failure to cure will result in filing an eviction action in District Court
How to Serve in Rhode Island
Rhode Island requires that notices be served in a manner reasonably calculated to give the tenant actual notice.
Personal Delivery
Hand the notice directly to the tenant. The strongest method for Rhode Island District Court proceedings
Certified Mail
Send via USPS certified mail with return receipt requested. The signed green card serves as proof of delivery
Post and Mail
Attach the notice to the front door and mail a copy via first-class mail. Photograph the posted notice
File in District Court
After the notice period expires without cure, file a trespass and ejectment complaint in RI District Court
Rhode Island Eviction Timeline
Days 1-5: Notice period runs. Day 6+: Landlord files complaint in District Court. Days 7-27: Court schedules hearing (14-21 days). Hearing: Judge rules, often the same day for non-payment. After judgment, the court issues a writ of execution. The tenant has 5 days to vacate.
If the tenant remains, the constable or sheriff executes the lockout within 7-10 business days. Total uncontested: 5-8 weeks. Appeals to RI Superior Court extend the timeline to 3-5 months. Providence District Court tends to have the longest scheduling delays due to higher caseload.
Rhode Island Court Fees
Filing fees in Rhode Island District Court are set by the state judiciary.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| District Court Filing | $45 - $80 |
| Constable Service | $30 - $50 |
| Writ of Execution | $35 - $60 |
| Attorney Fees | $500 - $1,500 |
| Lockout Execution | $75 - $200 |
Sample Rhode Island Non-Payment Notice
Below is a preview of a Rhode Island 5-day demand for rent under R.I. Gen. Laws §34-18-35.
FIVE-DAY DEMAND FOR RENT
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws §34-18-35
TO TENANT(S):
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [RI Property Address]
DEMAND
You have FIVE (5) DAYS from service of this notice to pay $[Amount] in unpaid rent or vacate the premises. Failure to comply will result in filing an eviction complaint in Rhode Island District Court.