reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
RI Gen L § 34-18-33 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 34 - Property|Chapter 34-18 - Residential Landlord and Tenant Act|Section 34-18-33 - Fire or casualty damage.

§ 34-18-33. Fire or casualty damage.(a) If the dwelling unit or premises are damaged or destroyed by fire or casualty to an extent that enjoyment of the dwelling unit is substantially impaired, the tenant may:(1) Immediately vacate the premises and notify the landlord in writing within fourteen (14) days thereafter of his or her intention to terminate the rental agreement, in which case the rental agreement terminates as of the date of vacating; or(2) If continued occupancy is lawful, vacate any part of the dwelling unit rendered unusable by the fire or casualty, in which case the tenants' liability for rent is reduced in proportion to the diminution in the fair rental value of the dwelling unit.(b) If the rental agreement is terminated the landlord shall return all security recoverable under § 34-18-19 and all prepaid rent. Accounting for rent in the event of termination or apportionment shall be made as of the date of the fire or casualty.(c) This section shall not be construed to limit the right of the landlord to recover in an action in tort damages resulting from a fire or other casualty damage caused either negligently or deliberately by the tenant.History of Section.P.L. 1986, ch. 200, § 2.
RI Gen L § 34-18-34 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 34 - Property|Chapter 34-18 - Residential Landlord and Tenant Act|Section 34-18-34 - Tenant's remedies for landlord's unlawful ouster, exclusion, or diminution of service.

§ 34-18-34. Tenant's remedies for landlord's unlawful ouster, exclusion, or diminution of service.If a landlord unlawfully removes or excludes the tenant from the premises or willfully diminishes services to the tenant by interrupting or causing the interruption of heat, running water, hot water, electric, gas, or other essential service, the tenant may recover possession or terminate the rental agreement and, in either case, recover an amount not more than three (3) months periodic rent or threefold the actual damages sustained by him or her, whichever is greater, and reasonable attorney's fees. If the rental agreement is terminated the landlord shall return all security recoverable under § 34-18-19 and all prepaid rent.History of Section.P.L. 1986, ch. 200, § 2.
RI Gen L § 34-18-35 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 34 - Property|Chapter 34-18 - Residential Landlord and Tenant Act|Section 34-18-35 - Eviction for nonpayment of rent.

§ 34-18-35. Eviction for nonpayment of rent.(a) If any part of the stipulated rent is due and in arrears for fifteen (15) days, the landlord shall send a written notice, in a form substantially similar to that provided in § 34-18-56(a), specifying the amount of the rent which is fifteen (15) days in arrears, making demand for the rent, and notifying the tenant that unless he or she cures the breach within five (5) days of the date of mailing of the notice, the rental agreement shall terminate, and the landlord shall commence an eviction action in the appropriate district court or housing court.(b) If the tenant fails to cure his or her breach by paying the stipulated rent in arrears within five (5) days of the date of mailing of the notice, the landlord may commence an eviction action against the tenant, which shall be filed no earlier than the sixth (6th) day after mailing of the written demand notice. The action shall be commenced by filing a "Complaint for Eviction for Nonpayment of Rent" in the appropriate court in the form provided in § 34-18-56(d).(c) The summons for eviction for nonpayment of rent shall specify the date for hearing and be in the form provided in § 34-18-56(g). The summons shall specify that the defendant may file and serve his or her answer prior to or at the time of hearing, and that if he or she fails to answer or appear at the hearing, he or she shall be defaulted.(d) If the defendant files his or her answer and commences discovery prior to the hearing, and it appears, for good cause shown, that the defendant will not be able to conduct his or her defense without the benefit of discovery, the court may continue the hearing to allow a reasonable time for the completion of discovery. In the case of such a continuance, the court may, in its discretion, order interim rent, or other remedy, to be paid to preserve the status quo pending hearing. Except as provided in this chapter, the landlord may recover possession and actual damages. In cases where the tenant had received a demand notice pursuant to subsection (a) within the six (6) months immediately preceding the filing of the action, and the tenant's nonpayment was willful, the landlord may also recover a reasonable attorney's fee.(e) The tenant shall have the right to cure his or her failure to pay rent by tendering the full amount of rent prior to commencement of suit. If the tenant has not received a notice pursuant to subsection (a) of this section within the six (6) months immediately preceding the filing of the action, the tenant shall have the right to cure his or her failure to pay rent after commencement of suit by tendering the full amount of rent in arrears, together with court costs, at the time of hearing.History of Section.P.L. 1986, ch. 200, § 2.
RI Gen L § 34-18-37 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 34 - Property|Chapter 34-18 - Residential Landlord and Tenant Act|Section 34-18-37 - Termination of periodic tenancy.

§ 34-18-37. Termination of periodic tenancy.(a) The landlord or the tenant may terminate a week-to-week tenancy by a written notice, in a form substantially similar to that provided in § 34-18-56(c), delivered to the other at least ten (10) days before the termination date specified in the notice.(b) The landlord or the tenant may terminate a month-to-month tenancy or any periodic tenancy for more than a month or less than a year by a written notice, in a form substantially similar to that provided in § 34-18-56(c), delivered to the other at least thirty (30) days before the date specified in the notice.(c) The landlord or tenant may terminate a year-to-year tenancy by written notice, in a form substantially similar to that provided in § 34-18-56(c), delivered to the other at least three (3) months prior to the expiration of the occupation year.History of Section.P.L. 1986, ch. 200, § 2.
RI Gen L § 34-18-38 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 34 - Property|Chapter 34-18 - Residential Landlord and Tenant Act|Section 34-18-38 - Eviction for unlawfully holding over after termination or expiration of tenancy.

§ 34-18-38. Eviction for unlawfully holding over after termination or expiration of tenancy.(a) If the tenant remains in possession without the landlord's consent after expiration of the term of the rental agreement or after the termination of a periodic tenancy, the landlord may commence an eviction action, which may be filed no earlier than the first day following the expiration or termination of the tenancy. The action shall be commenced by filing a "Complaint for Eviction for Reason Other Than for Nonpayment of Rent," which shall be filed in the appropriate court according to the form provided in § 34-18-56(e).(b) The summons shall be in the form provided in § 34-18-56(h) and shall specify that the tenant has twenty (20) days from the date of service in which to file his or her answer to the complaint, and that if he or she fails to file his or her answer within that time, he or she will be defaulted. The matter may be assigned for hearing in accordance with the rules of procedure of the appropriate court.(c) If the tenant's holdover is willful and not in good faith, the landlord may also recover, in addition to possession, an amount not more than three (3) months' periodic rent or threefold the actual damages sustained by him or her, whichever is greater, and reasonable attorney's fees. If the landlord consents to the tenant's occupancy, the parties may agree to a definite term. If no term is specified, the term shall be week-to-week if the tenant pays on a week-to-week basis, and in all other cases, month-to-month.History of Section.P.L. 1986, ch. 200, § 2.
RI Gen L § 34-18-39 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 34 - Property|Chapter 34-18 - Residential Landlord and Tenant Act|Section 34-18-39 - Failure to maintain.

§ 34-18-39. Failure to maintain.If there is noncompliance by tenant with § 34-18-24 materially affecting health and safety that can be remedied by repair, replacement of a damaged item, or cleaning, and the tenant fails to comply as promptly as conditions require in case of emergency or within twenty (20) days after written notice by the landlord specifying the breach and requesting that the tenant remedy it within that period of time, the landlord may enter the dwelling unit and cause the work to be done in a skilled manner and submit the itemized bill for the actual and reasonable cost or the fair and reasonable value thereof as rent on the next date periodic rent is due, or if the rental agreement has terminated, for immediate payment.History of Section.P.L. 1986, ch. 200, § 2.
RI Gen L § 34-18-40 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 34 - Property|Chapter 34-18 - Residential Landlord and Tenant Act|Section 34-18-40 - Remedies for abandonment.

§ 34-18-40. Remedies for abandonment.If the tenant abandons the dwelling unit, the landlord shall send a certified letter, return receipt requested, to the tenant's last known address giving notice that unless a reply is received from the tenant within seven (7) days, the landlord shall re-rent the premises. If the notice is returned as undeliverable, or the tenant fails to contact the landlord within seven (7) days, the landlord shall make reasonable efforts to rent the premises at a fair rental. If the landlord rents the dwelling unit for a term beginning before the expiration of the rental agreement, the tenancy terminates as of the date of the new tenancy. If the landlord fails to use reasonable efforts to rent the dwelling unit at fair rental, or if the landlord accepts the abandonment as a surrender, the rental agreement is deemed to be terminated by the landlord as of the date the landlord has notice of the abandonment.History of Section.P.L. 1986, ch. 200, § 2.
RI Gen L § 34-18-41 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 34 - Property|Chapter 34-18 - Residential Landlord and Tenant Act|Section 34-18-41 - Waiver of landlord's right to terminate.

§ 34-18-41. Waiver of landlord's right to terminate.Acceptance of rent with knowledge of a default by the tenant or acceptance of performance by him or her that varies from the terms of the rental agreement constitutes a waiver of the landlord's right to terminate the rental agreement for that breach, unless the landlord gives written notice within ten (10) days. However, acceptance of partial payment of rent shall not constitute a waiver of the balance due. Acceptance does not waive the landlord's right to seek remedies for the default.History of Section.P.L. 1986, ch. 200, § 2; P.L. 1997, ch. 95, § 1.
RI Gen L § 34-18-42 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 34 - Property|Chapter 34-18 - Residential Landlord and Tenant Act|Section 34-18-42 - Landlord liens - Distraint for rent abolished.

§ 34-18-42. Landlord liens — Distraint for rent abolished.(a) A lien or security interest on behalf of the landlord in the tenant's household goods is not enforceable unless perfected before the effective date of this chapter, except as provided in § 34-18-50.(b) Distraint for rent is abolished.History of Section.P.L. 1986, ch. 200, § 2.
RI Gen L § 34-18-43 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 34 - Property|Chapter 34-18 - Residential Landlord and Tenant Act|Section 34-18-43 - Remedy after termination.

§ 34-18-43. Remedy after termination.If the rental agreement is terminated, the landlord has a claim for possession, for a sum for reasonable use and occupation subsequent to the termination, and for actual damages for breach of the rental agreement and reasonable attorney's fees.History of Section.P.L. 1986, ch. 200, § 2.
RI Gen L § 34-18-44 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 34 - Property|Chapter 34-18 - Residential Landlord and Tenant Act|Section 34-18-44 - Self-help recovery of possession prohibited.

§ 34-18-44. Self-help recovery of possession prohibited.A landlord may not recover or take possession of the dwelling unit by action or otherwise, including willful diminution of services to the tenant by interrupting or causing the interruption of heat, running water, hot water, electric, gas, or other essential service to the tenant, except in case of abandonment, surrender, or as permitted in this chapter.History of Section.P.L. 1986, ch. 200, § 2.
RI Gen L § 34-18-45 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 34 - Property|Chapter 34-18 - Residential Landlord and Tenant Act|Section 34-18-45 - Landlord and tenant remedies for abuse of access.

§ 34-18-45. Landlord and tenant remedies for abuse of access.(a) If the tenant refuses to allow lawful access, the landlord may obtain injunctive relief to compel access, or terminate the rental agreement.(b) If the landlord makes an unlawful entry or a lawful entry in an unreasonable manner or makes repeated demands for entry otherwise lawful but which have the effect of unreasonably harassing the tenant, the tenant may obtain injunctive relief to prevent the recurrence of the conduct or terminate the rental agreement.(c) In any action under subsection (a) or (b) the prevailing party may recover actual damages and shall be awarded costs and reasonable attorney's fees.History of Section.P.L. 1986, ch. 200, § 2.
RI Gen L § 34-18-46 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 34 - Property|Chapter 34-18 - Residential Landlord and Tenant Act|Section 34-18-46 - Retaliatory conduct prohibited.

§ 34-18-46. Retaliatory conduct prohibited.(a) Except as provided in this section, a landlord may not retaliate by increasing rent or decreasing services or by bringing or threatening to bring an action for possession because:(1) The tenant has complained to a governmental agency charged with responsibility for enforcement of a building or housing code of a violation applicable to the premises materially affecting health and safety; or(2) The tenant has complained to the landlord of a violation under § 34-18-22; or(3) The tenant has organized or become a member of a tenants' union or similar organization; or(4) The tenant has availed himself or herself of any other lawful rights and remedies.(b) If the landlord acts in violation of subsection (a), the tenant is entitled to the remedies provided in § 34-18-34 and has a defense in any retaliatory action against him or her for possession. In an action by or against the tenant, evidence of a complaint within six (6) months before the alleged act of retaliation creates a presumption that the landlord's conduct was in retaliation. The presumption does not arise if the tenant made the complaint after notice of a proposed rental increase or diminution of services. "Presumption" means that the trier of fact must find the existence of the fact presumed unless and until evidence is introduced which would support a finding of its nonexistence.(c) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), a landlord may bring an action for possession if:(1) The violation of the applicable building or housing code was caused primarily by lack of reasonable care by the tenant, a member of his or her family, or other person on the premises with his or her consent; or(2) The tenant is in default in rent; or(3) Compliance with the applicable building or housing code or other public action such as eminent domain, requires alteration, remodeling, or demolition which would effectively deprive the tenant of use of the dwelling unit, and the relocation requirements have been met by the municipality.(d) The maintenance of an action under subsection (c) of this section does not release the landlord from liability under § 34-18-28(b).History of Section.P.L. 1986, ch. 200, § 2.
RI Gen L § 34-18-47 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 34 - Property|Chapter 34-18 - Residential Landlord and Tenant Act|Section 34-18-47 - Appeals.

§ 34-18-47. Appeals.Appeals of actions brought under this chapter shall be pursuant to § 9-12-10.1.History of Section.P.L. 1986, ch. 200, § 2.
RI Gen L § 34-18-48 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 34 - Property|Chapter 34-18 - Residential Landlord and Tenant Act|Section 34-18-48 - Execution.

§ 34-18-48. Execution.If no appeal is claimed, and if the judgment has not been satisfied, execution shall be issued on the sixth (6th) day following judgment. Executions shall be issued to the division of sheriffs or certified constable. Every execution issued by any district court pursuant to this chapter shall continue in full force and effect for one year after the date thereof and be returnable to the district court that issued it in accordance with the provisions of § 9-25-21. All costs, including reasonable moving costs, incurred by the division of sheriffs or certified constable in carrying out the mandates of the execution may be added to the execution by the clerk upon approval of the court upon presentment of evidence of the costs.History of Section.P.L. 1986, ch. 200, § 2; P.L. 1990, ch. 224, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 300, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 311, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 324, § 65; P.L. 2015, ch. 260, § 34; P.L. 2015, ch. 275, § 34.
RI Gen L § 34-18-49 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 34 - Property|Chapter 34-18 - Residential Landlord and Tenant Act|Section 34-18-49 - Payment of rent on stay of execution.

§ 34-18-49. Payment of rent on stay of execution.Whenever, in any action for the recovery of real property, the issuance of an execution, or the service of an execution, is stayed by order of the court or by the operation of law, the stay shall be conditioned upon the payment by tenant to the landlord of sums of money equal to the rent for the premises, which sums shall be paid at such times and in such amounts as rent would be due and payable were the action not then pending. The acceptance of these sums shall not constitute a waiver of the right of the landlord to obtain possession of the premises, nor shall the receipt thereof be deemed to reinstate the tenancy.History of Section.P.L. 1986, ch. 200, § 2.
RI Gen L § 34-18-50 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 34 - Property|Chapter 34-18 - Residential Landlord and Tenant Act|Section 34-18-50 - Payment of moving costs required.

§ 34-18-50. Payment of moving costs required.Whenever the personal property of any tenant is removed from the premises the tenant occupies by mandate of an execution from the court of competent jurisdiction, the tenant shall pay the entire amount of the cost of moving the personal property and any prepaid storage charges to the division of sheriffs, constable, or other person who lawfully caused the personal property to be so moved before the personal property can be released to the tenant by the person, firm, partnership, company, association, or corporation having lawful possession of the property. Further, the division of sheriffs, constable, or other person who lawfully caused the personal property to be so moved shall prepare and deliver a release in writing stating that the costs of moving and any prepaid storage charges have been paid in full and authorizing the release of the personal property to the tenant. This amount shall be paid to the landlord as reimbursement for the costs of removing the personal property.History of Section.P.L. 1986, ch. 200, § 2; P.L. 2012, ch. 324, § 65.
RI Gen L § 34-18-51 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 34 - Property|Chapter 34-18 - Residential Landlord and Tenant Act|Section 34-18-51 - Issuance of execution on nonpayment of rent.

§ 34-18-51. Issuance of execution on nonpayment of rent.In the event that the tenant shall fail or refuse to pay all sums promptly when due in accordance with the provisions of § 34-18-49, the court in which the judgment for possession was issued shall, on motion of the landlord and after hearing thereon, including satisfactory proof of such nonpayment, enter an order for the issuance of such execution and the prompt service thereof, and from this order there shall be no appeal.History of Section.P.L. 1986, ch. 200, § 2.
RI Gen L § 34-18-52 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 34 - Property|Chapter 34-18 - Residential Landlord and Tenant Act|Section 34-18-52 - Payment of rent during pendency of appeal.

§ 34-18-52. Payment of rent during pendency of appeal.Whenever an action for the recovery of real property is pending on appeal in the superior or supreme court, the tenant in the action shall pay to the landlord sums of money equal to the rent for the premises, which the sums shall be paid at such times and in such amounts as rent would be due and payable were the action not then pending. The acceptance of these sums shall not constitute a waiver of the right of the landlord to obtain possession of the premises, nor shall their receipt be deemed to reinstate the tenancy.History of Section.P.L. 1986, ch. 200, § 2.
RI Gen L § 34-18-53 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 34 - Property|Chapter 34-18 - Residential Landlord and Tenant Act|Section 34-18-53 - Dismissal of appeal for nonpayment of rent during pendency of appeals.

§ 34-18-53. Dismissal of appeal for nonpayment of rent during pendency of appeals.In the event that the tenant fails or refuses to pay all sums promptly when due, in accordance with the provisions of § 34-18-52, the court in which the case is pending, shall, without any trial on the merits, on motion of the landlord, and after hearing thereon, including satisfactory proof of such nonpayment, enter an order for the entry of judgment and the issuance of the execution and the prompt service thereof, and from that order there shall be no appeal. The papers shall be forthwith returned to the district court which shall upon payment of the required fee, issue an execution without further delay.History of Section.P.L. 1986, ch. 200, § 2; P.L. 2001, ch. 75, § 1.
RI Gen L § 34-18-54 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 34 - Property|Chapter 34-18 - Residential Landlord and Tenant Act|Section 34-18-54 - Savings clause.

§ 34-18-54. Savings clause.Transactions entered into before January 1, 1987, and not extended or renewed on and after that date, and the rights, duties and interests flowing from them remain valid and may be terminated, completed, consummated, or enforced as required or permitted by any statute or other law amended or repealed by this chapter as though the repeal or amendment had not occurred.History of Section.P.L. 1986, ch. 200, § 2.
RI Gen L § 34-18-55 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 34 - Property|Chapter 34-18 - Residential Landlord and Tenant Act|Section 34-18-55 - Severability.

§ 34-18-55. Severability.If any provision of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or application of this chapter which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this chapter are severable.History of Section.P.L. 1986, ch. 200, § 2.
RI Gen L § 34-18-57 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 34 - Property|Chapter 34-18 - Residential Landlord and Tenant Act|Section 34-18-57 - Providence and Warwick Absentee Landlord Enforcement Act.

§ 34-18-57. Providence and Warwick Absentee Landlord Enforcement Act.All persons, corporations, organizations, associations or other legal entities owning and leasing property in the cities of Providence or Warwick shall register their names, home addresses, including zip codes, and telephone numbers with the city clerk in the city where such property is located.History of Section.P.L. 1995, ch. 336, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 236, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 465, § 1.