Rhode Island Landlord Repair Responsibilities Explained

Knowing your rights as a renter in Rhode Island is crucial, especially when it comes to your landlord's responsibilities for repairs and keeping your home safe. Landlords must maintain rentals so they are fit to live in—meaning safe, clean, and up to health codes. This article guides you through your rights, landlord duties, and what to do if repairs aren't made in Rhode Island.

Landlord Responsibilities for Repairs and Habitability in Rhode Island

Rhode Island law protects renters by requiring landlords to keep rental properties in a condition that is safe and fit to live in. This is known as the warranty of habitability. Landlords must comply with local building, health, and safety codes as outlined in the Rhode Island Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

What Must Landlords Repair?

• Maintain all structural elements—like roofs, walls, floors, stairs, and windows—in safe condition.
• Ensure all plumbing, heating, electrical, and sanitary systems work correctly.
• Supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water at all times.
• Provide and maintain heating systems in working order between October 1 and May 1.
• Keep common areas clean and safe.
• Respond to vermin, insect, or rodent infestations if not caused by the tenant’s own lack of cleanliness.

These rules apply to all residential rentals, unless very small buildings where the landlord also lives on-site.

What Are Tenants Responsible For?

• Keep your unit clean and use all facilities properly.
• Dispose of garbage and waste in a clean manner.
• Report any problems promptly—preferably in writing.
• Avoid causing damage (beyond normal wear and tear).

Open, timely communication can help ensure repairs get done quickly and disputes are avoided.

How Tenants Request Repairs

If there’s a repair issue affecting safety or basic living standards, follow these steps:

• Notify your landlord in writing. This creates a clear record.
• Describe the issue, how it affects your living conditions, and ask for a specific timeline for repair.
• Keep a copy of your request, photos, or any related documents.

What If Repairs Aren’t Made?

When landlords do not address serious repair needs after reasonable notice, the law lets tenants take steps, such as:

• Reporting violations to your local building or health department for inspection.
• Filing a complaint with the Rhode Island District Court's Landlord-Tenant Division.
• In some cases, asking the court to order the landlord to make repairs—also known as "injunctive relief."
• Possibly withholding rent or making repairs and deducting the cost only under specific conditions—always consult the law or a lawyer first.

Official Form Example: Complaint for Repairs (District Court Form DC-5)

• Form Name: Complaint for Possession/Eviction (Form DC-5)
• When to use: If your landlord starts an eviction because you withheld rent for unaddressed serious repairs, you can use this form to document your repair request and the landlord’s lack of response.
• How to use: File it with the District Court and bring your repair evidence (copies of your written requests, photos, inspection reports).
• Download the official Complaint for Possession/Eviction (Form DC-5)

Some cities (like Providence) may have their own reporting forms or online complaint tools. Always check with your municipal code enforcement office.

Which Tribunal Handles Tenancy Issues?

In Rhode Island, repair and tenant-landlord disputes are handled by the Landlord-Tenant Division of the Rhode Island District Court.

Relevant State Law

The Rhode Island Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Chapter 34-18) sets out all legal requirements and tenant protections for repairs and habitability.

FAQ: Rhode Island Landlord Repair Duties

1. What repairs must my landlord make in Rhode Island?
   Landlords must fix and maintain anything that could endanger health or safety, including plumbing, heating, electrical systems, and structural elements.
2. How do I report my landlord for not making repairs?
   Start with a written notice. If that does not work, contact your local housing code enforcement or file a complaint with the District Court’s Landlord-Tenant Division.
3. Can I withhold rent if repairs are not made?
   Rhode Island law may allow rent withholding or "repair and deduct" only for serious unaddressed repairs after proper notice. Document everything and seek legal advice before withholding rent.
4. Are there official forms to report repair problems?
   The District Court provides forms like the Complaint for Possession/Eviction (DC-5). This can document your repair requests when involved in legal proceedings.
5. Where can I get support with a landlord repair dispute?
   Local housing offices and the District Court’s Landlord-Tenant Division can provide information. See resources below for more contacts.

Key Takeaways for Rhode Island Renters

• Landlords must keep rentals safe, functioning, and up to code.
• Always request repairs in writing and keep records.
• If needed, contact local housing officials or the District Court for enforcement.

Stay organized and informed to protect your rights and rental home.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Rhode Island District Court Landlord-Tenant Division – Tenant complaint and case information
• Rhode Island Residential Landlord and Tenant Act – Full tenancy law
• Providence Code Enforcement Office – File repair or safety complaints if you live in Providence
• Rhode Island Office of Housing & Community Development – General housing resources and referrals

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1. Rhode Island Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18)
2. Rhode Island District Court Landlord-Tenant Division
3. District Court Official Eviction/Complaint Form (DC-5)
4. Providence Office of Code Enforcement

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