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Rhode Island Landlord - Tenant Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Rhode Island on
Q: can a landlord tow my vehicle without notice?

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
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

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: Does a landlord in RI have to supply hot water to their tenants
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Feb 16, 2019

Yes, in reasonable amounts.

See: http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE34/34-18/34-18-22.HTM

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: Are tenants required to pay the rent until the end of their lease?

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
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

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: Curious what the regulations are for “grandfathered” rentals? H2O @160, leaking windows, no bath vents or windows

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
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

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: My tenant told me they need light bulbs changed in their apartment. Is that tenant’s or landlord’s responsibility?

Not mentioned in the lease

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jan 29, 2019

Tenant, unless the lease specifies otherwise.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: I live in RI and my heat is not working and leaking carbon monoxide and my landlord will not fix it, its been months

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
Neville Bedford
answered on Jan 29, 2019

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

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: We went to court for non payment if rent because the landlord would not fix anything, including mold

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
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.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: What are the laws in Rhode Island about heat in a rental property?

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
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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: Where can I find statutes or cases that support that OK has subject matter jurisdiction over my case?

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
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

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: My tenants changed the lock and refuse to give me a copy of the key. What should I do?

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
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

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Rhode Island on
Q: In the process of purchasing the multi tenant home I am currently in.I want to purchase tenant free.

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
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.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: If landlord breaks a 1 yr lease due to selling property what am I entitled to?

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
Neville Bedford
answered on May 28, 2018

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

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: Am I held liable for all the rent if my roommate moves out and breaks lease

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
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.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: How much notice of a problem do you need to give your landlord before you can withhold rent?
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jan 15, 2018

http://www.brown.edu/Administration/Auxiliary_Housing/documents/LTHandbook.pdf

http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE34/34-18/INDEX.HTM

TITLE 34

Property

CHAPTER 34-18

Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

SECTION 34-18-30

§...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: Tenant moved out two weeks ago left several pieces of furniture in the garage. What do I need to do.

I text her today and she said she has medical issues and will get them when she recovers. I asked that she have someone come get them for her and she was upset, saying not so nice things to me and said she would see what she could do...what are my rights

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jan 11, 2018

If they tenancy was properly terminated, they may be considered abandoned.

2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: Is the landlord responsible for snow removal from entry door and to the street? Our door is located in the back.

there is a long driveway out to the street they say we need to clear. We are Flight Attendants with luggage. We come home after being gone for days and there can be ice and snow all the way back. We get in late at night and shouldn't have to shovel snow to get to our entry-exit door.

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jan 11, 2018

What does the lease say? That will control.

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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: My friends landlord in Rhode Island is doing work on the roof (it’s 20outside today). Their apartment is now below 65

The hole is only covered by a tarp causing them to run their heat all day with the temp in their dwelling so cold the thermostat doesn’t even register it. What can they do?

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jan 11, 2018

Hopefully, the roofers are done by now and it has warmed up.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: I got heating and maintenance problems at the apartment with my landlord she live in the first floor on the same house

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
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

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: My mother in law constantly puts her mitts on things that don't belong to her in an area deemed as a private area.

My mother lives in an area that is shared with my mother in law's things, but was given a clear division line for "her room". These spaces share a common door, however, every time we leave the house, my mother in law enters my mom's space, moves things around that do not belong... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Nov 27, 2017

Your remedies will depend on whether she is a guest or a tenant. If she is a guest, you might ask her to leave if she continues this behavior you find unacceptable. If she is a tenant, you may have to file a formal eviction.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: We rent a room our landlord sold his house do we have to move in 30 days?

Ee pay weekly

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Nov 20, 2017

You have rights as a tenant. If you are not able to come to an agreement with your new landlord, you may consult with an attorney to explore your rights and responsibilities.

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