Rhode Island Eviction Notice Overview
Rhode Island does not use a 7-day eviction notice. Under RIGL 34-18-35, landlords must give a 5-day notice for non-payment of rent. Rhode Island follows the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (RIGL Chapter 34-18), which provides comprehensive protections for both parties.
Rhode Island has 5 counties but all eviction cases are filed in District Court, which has locations throughout the state. Providence/Bristol District Court handles the highest volume. Rhode Island's small size means that a single court system handles cases statewide. The state has been strengthening tenant protections in recent years.
5 Days
Notice period
$90 - $120
Filing fee
RIGL Ch. 34-18
Governing law
District
Court level
Why Rhode Island Uses 5 Days, Not 7
Important: Rhode Island Uses a 5-Day Notice, Not 7
RIGL 34-18-35 requires a 5-day notice for non-payment. For lease violations, a 20-day notice to cure applies. A 7-day notice is not the standard Rhode Island form.
Rhode Island Notice Periods at a Glance
- 5-Day Notice — Non-Payment (RIGL 34-18-35): Tenant has 5 days to pay all rent owed
- 20-Day Notice — Lease Violations (RIGL 34-18-36): Tenant has 20 days to cure material noncompliance
- 30-Day Notice — Month-to-Month (RIGL 34-18-37): 30 days notice to terminate
- Immediate — Criminal Activity: For illegal drug activity
Rhode Island Notice Requirements
Rhode Island courts require that eviction notices meet specific content and format standards. An incomplete or incorrectly timed notice will result in dismissal of the eviction case.
Required Notice Content
- Property Address: Full address including unit number, city, and zip code
- Tenant Names: All tenants named on the lease or rental agreement
- Amount Owed or Violation: Exact dollar amount of rent due, or specific description of the lease violation
- Correct Notice Period: 5 days for non-payment as required by Rhode Island law
- Consequence Statement: That eviction proceedings will be filed if the tenant does not cure or vacate
- Landlord Information: Name and contact information of the landlord or property manager
How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Rhode Island
Rhode Island law provides specific methods for serving eviction notices. Proper service and documentation are essential for the court filing.
Personal Delivery
Hand-deliver to the tenant.
Certified Mail
Send via certified mail.
Posting
Post on the door and mail a copy.
Document Service
Prepare proof of service for District Court.
Rhode Island Eviction Timeline
The Rhode Island eviction process follows a specific timeline from notice through court proceedings to enforcement.
Serve 5-day notice per RIGL 34-18-35
File eviction complaint in District Court
Hearing set; tenant served
Hearing held; judgment entered
Writ of possession issued; sheriff enforces
RI evictions take 4-7 weeks uncontested. Contested cases take 7-14 weeks. Providence handles the highest volume.
Rhode Island Eviction Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs for an eviction proceeding in Rhode Island District Court. Actual fees may vary by county.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| District Court Filing Fee | $90 - $120 |
| Service of Process | $25 - $50 |
| Writ of Possession | $30 - $60 |
| Attorney Fees (optional) | $600 - $2,000 |
| Appeal Filing Fee | $150 |
Sample Rhode Island Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a Rhode Island-compliant eviction notice that meets the requirements of RIGL 34-18-35.
5-DAY NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR VACATE
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
Pursuant to RIGL 34-18-35
LANDLORD:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Rhode Island Address]
TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenant Names]
Rental Address: [Full Property Address]
NOTICE:
You have FIVE (5) DAYS to pay $[Amount] in full or vacate.
RHODE ISLAND COMPLIANCE NOTE
RI requires 5 days for non-payment (34-18-35), not 7 days.