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Rhode Island Landlord - Tenant Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: As a commercial landlord, if a tenant is in a lease on unit 1 and is paying a storage fee on unit 2 to hold for ….

Potential build-out, then backs out and you give them written notice to vacate unit 2 but they don’t… can you change the locks and begin proceedings to rent unit 2 ? Tenant has been notified this would happen.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

In your situation as a commercial landlord, handling a tenant who has backed out of a potential build-out for unit 2 after paying a storage fee can be challenging. If you have already given written notice to the tenant to vacate and they have failed to comply, your next steps need to be carefully... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Civil Litigation for Rhode Island on
Q: Ground water is coming through the floor for last 3 weeks a few days after it rains heavily. Revters insurance doesn't

Renters insurance doesn't cover flooding or Ground water. although water recedes the mildew smell which may be mold has made it uninhabitable. I have not slept there since Dec 23 2023 as it took them 6 days to respond to my call I've been paying hotels out of pocket and have no means to... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jan 18, 2024

A Rhode Island attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. If their response is in compliance with the terms of the policy, it isn't necessarily "Bad Faith," one of the posted categories - it might be more of a coverage issue. If it should be a covered loss... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: I was served with eviction notice due to non payment of rent for $1,100. The 1,100 listed on the eviction notice is for

Septembers rent. I was served on 10/13/23 and have court date 10/23/23. I was told if I paid the rent owed it would stop the eviction. As of October I owe additional $1,100 but the eviction notice only has Septembers rent listed and I never received a 5 day demand notice for the month of October.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 23, 2023

In Rhode Island, the eviction process for non-payment of rent typically starts with a 5-day demand notice. If the eviction notice you were served only lists the amount due for September, and you were not given a separate 5-day demand notice for October, then technically, the eviction proceeding is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: If I pay the full amount of rent due prior to the eviction court date, can I still be evicted?

I received a 5 day demand notice but was unable to pay rent in that time frame. I was served with a court date for eviction due to non payment of rent. If rent is paid by the court date can I still be evicted?

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Oct 13, 2023

In Rhode Island, you cannot be evicted for non-payment of rent if you pay the full amount due before the eviction court date. However, you may still be evicted for other reasons, such as violating the lease agreement. If you are facing eviction, it is important to communicate with your landlord and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: I moved out of an apartment in May, and our former landlord is withholding the difference of our security deposit.

She is accusing us of stealing 4 or 5 in-window A/C units, which she lent to us for the year, but we definitely did not take. We also asked for receipts of alleged damages to the house, which did not add up to us. Security deposit was $2400 when we moved in, she is charging us $2500 for labor/parts... View More

Albin Moser
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answered on Oct 12, 2023

You might have a case against your former landlord. While it is true that landlords can deduct for damage, missing air conditioners are not exactly damage. Also, landlords can deduct for repairs but they have to send you an itemization within twenty (20) days. You said that you didn't get... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Health Care Law, Landlord - Tenant and Medical Malpractice for Rhode Island on
Q: i went to the emergency room a month and a half ago , I had an infection in my testicle

The ER sent me home with an antibiotic, which the pharmacy would not fill because it would cause a severe. Reaction to my every day medication, I called my Doctor, left them 4/5 messages, I also informed the doctor through the portal what was going on. In the mean time the infection is getting... View More

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Mar 22, 2023

The facts you relate have the earmarks of a valid legal malpractice that should be investigated. You should consult with experienced medical malpractice attorneys in your state. You can search for such attorneys on this website.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: I live in Providence RI, my landlord is demanding a key to my storage room and garage do I have to give it to her by law

We keep the areas clean, there is nothing she would need access to for any other unit in either area, the lease doesn't state anything about it, we store our eBay store items that we sell in the areas and don't want anyone to have access to these items

Albin Moser
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answered on Jun 8, 2022

Yes, you have to give the landlord a key to the storage room and garage that you are renting from the landlord. Your landlord has a right of access to all areas of the landlord's property that you are renting, and can enter any area on reasonable notice to you.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: Can a landlord keep your security deposit and not let you move in
Albin Moser
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answered on Dec 3, 2021

No.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: I have a legal document created on July 26. Bottom of letter attests letter was brought to PO July 24.

Would the conflicted dates result in technicality?

Albin Moser
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answered on Aug 24, 2021

if the document is a notice and there is a period of time required for notice, then the date the notice was actually sent is going to be important to establish whether or not there was sufficient notice. If there is evidence that the notice was not sent on the date stated, then that evidence can be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Rhode Island on
Q: In Rhode Island, when signing a lease for commercial space, can landlord request security deposit and last month rent?
Andrew Bilodeau
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answered on Apr 29, 2021

Yes. Unlike a residential lease, a commercial lease is not regulated as its a contract between businesses and agreed upon terms are not restricted. Hopefully that helps.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: Can I install a camera in my bedroom

I had to move back in with my father and his wife until I can purchase a home. I have fear of his wife as she has verbally assaulted and threatened me numerous times. I installed a security camera in my bedroom for my own piece of mind. She has covered it once and has stated if I do it again she... View More

John  Larochelle
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John Larochelle
answered on Aug 11, 2020

Good afternoon, Fearful of Threats,

Since you are being permitted to live in the house of your father and his wife, it is they and not you who may decided what type of security cameras are permitted in their home. The room where you sleep is their room; they are just letting you sleep...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Landlord - Tenant and Criminal Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Can I put my boyfriend on the lease for low income housing if we have a NCO? Will the landlord for low income find out?

So the police put a NCO on him because he hit me and now he has a felony. Now we are getting along and he is helping out with my kids. I got accepted into housing and want to add him on my lease so I don’t get in trouble when he’s there all the time. The landlord for low income housing needs... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jan 22, 2020

You may want to go to the court to explain to the judge that you wish to have the NCO dropped to enable you to enjoy cohabitation and co-parent. If you just really need help with the kids and you are, in fact still in fear of imminent harm that supports a NCO, then you should probably seek the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: What is the process when a tenant dies? He paid his rent for all of December.

On December 17th, we met with the owner who gave her 30 days. And just a few days ago, she is asking for rent when the 30 days are not up. What can a landlord do at that point? Can they legally change the locks? What options do we legally have? Thank you for your time in advance.

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jan 10, 2020

Meet with your attorney to enable them to negotiate with the administrator, executor, executrix, or landlord. It is difficult to discern which party you are.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: Should I carry forward the balance until they catch up or apply each week they pay to the previous week?

I have 2 tenants on a week to week lease. They're 1 wk behind. They are asking that the late week that was paid 6 days late be carry forward as if they slipped a week until they can pay that skipped week in 2 weeks instead of adding the rent payment they give me each week to the previous week.... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Dec 24, 2019

The offer-er is the master of their offer and you are free to come to whatever arrangements you like. I might suggest you set a deadline for the late fee waiver to give them some incentive to catch up.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Real Estate Law, Domestic Violence and Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: What are my legal rights when I'm only tenant on my lease. My gf will not leave willingly

She has repeatedly threatened me to call police for no reason and have me removed out of my own place. I pay 1500 a month and she pays nothing. I'm trying to end this controlling relationship.

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Dec 24, 2019

If the threats are of imminent physical or bodily harm, seek a protective order. If your local law enforcement will not assist you in removing this now unwelcome guest, you may have to file a formal eviction. This is where the help of a private attorney will be most useful.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: A group of European students who attend my academy live in an apartment that I found for them. No lease has been signed.

I helped find a short-term place for them to live (I do not reside there). To make things easier, I have been collecting their rent and providing the landlord with a check each month. No lease has been provided to the students. A few students returned to Europe before our school term ended. Who is... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Dec 16, 2019

If the landlord takes you to court, the best thing for your to bring, in addition to all of your documents(i.e. a contract with the landlord and the academy) supporting your "arrangement" would be ... a licensed attorney to present your best defense. They will likely begin with a short... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: My boyfriend moved in with me in June, we have since broken up. I own my house how can I get him to leave? (I've asked)

My boyfriend moved in with me in June, we have since broken up. I own my house how can I get him to leave? (I've asked) It is my house and he is just staying there, he does have mail come there and switched his license without asking me.

Andrew Bilodeau
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answered on Nov 20, 2019

Hello,

You will need to evict him in accordance with the RI Lanlord/Tenant act.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: What is reasonable time, when dealing with a landlord and tenant issue
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Oct 10, 2019

Reasonable times may vary. If the pipes have burst, a reasonable time (to have the water turned off) will be far shorter than say, if the hot water was not working. It is difficult to say precisely based on the very limited information given.

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Landlord - Tenant, Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Rhode Island on
Q: My bf isn’t on my lease but just wants me to write in his name? Will they contact the landlord?

My bf is being charged with B&E after a dumb argument we had in my apartment. He isn’t technically on my lease, but he does pretty much live with me. He is asking me to write in his name on the lease I do have, without telling the landlord. Is this illegal? If I do do this( will they contact... View More

Gary Kollin
Gary Kollin
answered on Sep 4, 2019

You wrote further detail on AVVO. You could subject yourself to possible prosecution.

The phone calls from the jail may be recorded

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: what can i due if a tenant use there surcerity deposit as there last month rent and there was damage to the place
Andrew Bilodeau
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answered on May 6, 2019

Hello,

You will need to provide notice to the tenant regarding the damage to the apartment/house with an itemization of the cost to repair and you can pursue those damages in a court action if they are in an amount to be worthwhile. I would also evaluate whether or not the former tenant has...
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