Rhode Island 60-Day Notice Overview
Rhode Island does not require a 60-day notice for standard residential tenancy terminations. Under the Rhode Island Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-1 et seq.), month-to-month tenancies can be terminated with 30 days written notice under Section 34-18-37.
Rhode Island provides moderate tenant protections. The state has no statewide rent control but does protect against retaliatory evictions under R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-46. Security deposits are capped at one month's rent under R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-19. The deposit must be returned within 20 days. Rhode Island's District Courts handle the majority of eviction cases in the state.
30 Days
Statutory default
$45-$120
Court filing fees
Written
Notice required
2-5 wks
Court process
When a 60-Day Notice Applies in Rhode Island
Since Rhode Island's statutory default for month-to-month termination is 30 days, understanding when a 60-day notice is actually required or advisable is essential for landlords.
Lease-Required Extended Notice
Many RI property managers include 60-day non-renewal clauses. The contractual obligation overrides the 30-day minimum when the lease specifies longer notice.
RIHousing Programs
Federal Section 8 programs administered through RIHousing and local PHAs like the Providence Housing Authority frequently require 60-90 days notice before termination.
Providence Metro Market
Providence and surrounding communities have tight rental markets. Providing 60 days gives tenants time to find replacement housing in Rhode Island's compact but competitive rental landscape.
Rhode Island Legal Requirements
Rhode Island's landlord-tenant statutes establish specific requirements for termination notices that must be followed precisely.
Rhode Island Anti-Retaliation Protection
Under R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-46, a landlord cannot terminate a tenancy in retaliation for the tenant's good-faith complaint about code violations, participation in a tenant organization, or exercise of legal rights. Rhode Island courts take retaliatory eviction claims seriously and can dismiss the case and award damages.
Notice Content Requirements
- Written Notice: R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-37 requires written notice. Oral notice is insufficient under Rhode Island law
- Tenant and Property ID: Include all tenant names from the lease and the complete property address including city/town, and ZIP code
- Termination Date: State the exact date at least 60 days from service, aligned with the end of the monthly rental period
- Landlord Contact: Include the landlord or property manager name, Rhode Island mailing address, and telephone number
- Security Deposit Reference: R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-19 requires return within 20 days with an itemized statement. Deposits capped at one month's rent
How to Serve a 60-Day Eviction Notice in Rhode Island
Proper service is critical in Rhode Island. If the landlord cannot prove the notice was properly delivered, the court will dismiss the eviction action.
Prepare the Notice
Draft using a Rhode Island-specific template referencing R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-37. Include all tenant names, property address, and the 60-day termination date
Personal Delivery (Preferred)
Hand-deliver to the tenant at the rental premises. Rhode Island courts prefer personal service. Use a constable or witness
Certified Mail Alternative
Send via certified mail with return receipt. Rhode Island accepts mailed service for landlord-tenant notices
Complete Proof of Service
Document date, time, method, and location of service. Keep certified mail receipts and return cards for court proceedings
File Eviction Action in District Court
After 60 days expire without the tenant vacating, file an eviction action in District Court where the property is located
Rhode Island Eviction Timeline
Rhode Island's eviction process is filed in District Court under R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-34 to 34-18-45. After filing, the court schedules a hearing within 10-20 days. Rhode Island's District Courts handle these cases efficiently.
At the hearing, both parties present evidence. If the landlord prevails, the court issues a judgment for possession. The tenant has 5 days to vacate. If the tenant remains, the sheriff enforces the writ of execution.
Total court timeline: 2-5 weeks uncontested, 5-10 weeks contested. Providence County has the heaviest caseload. Combined with the 60-day notice period, the full process spans 10-18 weeks.
Rhode Island Filing Fees & Costs
Eviction costs in Rhode Island vary by county and court type. Below are typical expenses.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| District Court Filing Fee | $45 - $120 |
| Service of Process | $25 - $60 |
| Attorney Fees | $500 - $2,000 |
| Writ of Execution | $20 - $40 |
| Sheriff Enforcement | $50 - $150 |
Sample Rhode Island 60-Day Notice
Below is a preview of our Rhode Island-specific 60-day termination notice template.
60-DAY NOTICE OF TERMINATION
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-37
LANDLORD / PROPERTY OWNER:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Rhode Island Mailing Address]
TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenant Names]
Rental Address: [Full Property Address]
NOTICE OF TERMINATION:
You are hereby notified that your tenancy at the above premises will terminate on[Date — 60 days from service]. You must vacate and surrender possession by that date.
RHODE ISLAND COMPLIANCE NOTE
Your security deposit will be returned within 20 days of vacating per R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-19, with an itemized statement. Deposits limited to one month's rent under Rhode Island law.