we were in a rollover accident on 2/19 (it is now 2/22). we are still awaiting the police report, and our vehicle was towed to our parking area (private off street parking with assigned spaces, of which we are only taking up our own space). the vehicle has considerable damage to it, but is not... View More

Neville Bedford
answered on Feb 27, 2019

If it is not roadworthy, one could argue that it is "debris" or refuse." Probably best for you to get it to an auto body shop where they will be able to allow the insurance company to make their assessment and perform the necessary repairs, should that be the option you choose.... View More

Landlord claims the house is grandfathered so it’s legal to have water boiling hot (160), windows that are nailed shut, other windows aren’t sealed and leak when it rains, not windows any of the bathrooms, people smoking inside,

Neville Bedford
answered on Feb 16, 2019

Curiosity is a great pastime. Start with the Statutes defining the implied warranty of habitability here in Rhode Island at http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE34/34-18/INDEX.HTM http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE34/34-18/34-18-22.HTM... View More

My tenants moved out 4 months before the end of their lease. I am wondering if they are obligated to pay until the end of the lease

Neville Bedford
answered on Feb 16, 2019

Review the lease agreement, you prepared with the help of your attorney, to discern if it is worth investing in the necessary litigation to force them to fulfill their contractual obligations. If you have found a successor tenant, be sure to use a written lease, and let your attorney know that the... View More

I informed my landlord 4 days ago that my heat was not working. Someone came out the next day (not a professional company just like a "handyman") and said he would be back the next day. I waited at home all day and he never came back. I informed my landlord again and she sent someone... View More

Neville Bedford
answered on Jan 29, 2019

TITLE 34

Property

CHAPTER 34-18

Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

SECTION 34-18-34

§ 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... View More

We did not get our cross complaint heard in court now we have until March to find a place to live and still pay rent and nothing is fixed.

Neville Bedford
answered on Jan 29, 2019

Check with your attorney to ensure your (defense/answer) case was properly filed with the court. If you do not have an attorney, that could be part of the problem.

we have contacted a building inspector, the mayors office, the gas companys. the building inspector told the landlord to fix it in 24 hours and when the landlord did not we contacted him again and we were told he can not help us because we contacted the gas company about the situation. What can we... View More

Neville Bedford
answered on Jan 29, 2019

Contact http://www.fairhousingri.org/en/complaint.htm

Not mentioned in the lease

Neville Bedford
answered on Jan 29, 2019

Tenant, unless the lease specifies otherwise.

I am on active military orders in RI, owned a home in NC that was rented by tenants, who abandoned the property, breached contract and now live in OK. NC statute chptr 7A, Art 19, section 213 states I cannot file in the state because none of the defendants live there any longer. I filed in OK in... View More

Neville Bedford
answered on Sep 24, 2018

Your best avenue would be to engage an attorney practicing where the case is properly filed. There are myriad resources online for legal information, statutes, and case law along with many law schools that could provide you with the information you seek. However, a practicing attorney should be... View More

They changed the lock few months ago, and never provided me the copy of the key, I am selling the property and ask her for a copy, she refused for me to show the apartment nor give me a copy of the key.

T. J. Jesky
answered on Sep 9, 2018

If the lease agreement specifically does not allow changing the locks or making changes to the property, you are entitled to change the locks back and charge the tenant for the expenses incurred during the process. The cost is typically deducted from the deposit at the end of the tenancy. Read the... View More

They want to raise my rent $50 a month.

I have been renting in the home that I am currently in contract with to purchase, there are tenants there currently. Their initial lease expired and is basically a month to month tenant. How can I begin the process of providing them notice, that upon closing (Scheduled for End of July 2018,) they... View More

Neville Bedford
answered on Jul 5, 2018

Negotiate that term with the seller. You will not be the owner until after the consummation of the sale. If the seller refuses to deliver unoccupied, you may well have to engage an attorney to assist you with the eviction.

I’m 5 months into my 1 yr lease. My landlord approached me on April 20th I had my sister over that day and she proceeded to tell me she sold the house and the new owners want the entire property vacant as of June 1st. She stated that I wouldn’t have to pay rent for may and she will give me back... View More

Neville Bedford
answered on May 28, 2018

Consult with an attorney to review your lease and advise you of your rights.

Hi,

I have a potential tenant that is 25 years old, has been at new job for 2 months and does not have a rental history. Her father will cosign but he wishes to not provide SSN. Is it needed? The only reason I think I need him is to report to credit bureau agency if the cosigner does not... View More

so the year lease was done and someone else bought the house. the agency told us they gave that person the lease money and now he comes and tell us we have to move so we move and we gave him 30 notice and we moved the 28th day, so now this guy doesn't wanna give our money back.

Door all in bedroom. We complained to LL to have fixed that's when he placed a 30 day lease term in mailbox not through mail. The letter is dated 2-10-18 and says we have 30 days but is dated 3-10-18 for a move out date . Is this legal ? I have a newborn and have been looking but haven't... View More

My roommate is suddenly moving out and breaking "her part" of the lease. Am I held liable for all the rent now or legally is she responsible for it?

Neville Bedford
answered on Feb 17, 2018

You may be. Talk to your landlord and see if they are OK with you getting a new roommate.

Only one heater works for all the apartment and sometimes gets damages, she takes her sweet time to call someone after I insist for her help, she yells at me and tells me she gave me one little heater to warm up my daughter's room to use that instead.. moving is too expensive, someting I... View More

Neville Bedford
answered on Jan 11, 2018

If you are in Subsidized housing, contact Rhode Island Legal Services for assistance. http://rils.org/practice_areas.cfm?areaid=7