Eviction in Rhode Island
State-specific overview · Property & Real Estate
Rhode Island requires 30 days' notice for month-to-month tenants and uses a summary process; court involvement is mandatory before removal.
How Rhode Island treats Eviction
Rhode Island General Laws Chapter 34-18 requires landlords to provide 30 days' written notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy. For nonpayment or lease violations, landlords must file a summary process action in District Court. The court must hold a hearing, and the tenant has the right to defend or cure the breach. After judgment, the tenant typically has 5–10 days to vacate before the sheriff enforces removal.
The general definition of Eviction
The legal process by which a landlord removes a tenant from rental property.
Eviction is the formal legal process a landlord uses to force a tenant to leave the property. The landlord must have a valid reason—such as non-payment of rent, lease violation, or the end of the lease term—and must follow strict procedural rules, which vary by state. Typically, the landlord must give written notice (often 30 days or more), file a case in court, and obtain a judgment from a judge before the tenant can be physically removed. A tenant has the right to defend themselves in court and present their side of the story.
Read the full Eviction entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.