Rhode Island Landlord Responsibilities: Heat and Hot Water Rules

Rhode Island law sets important standards to make sure all rental homes are safe, healthy, and comfortable for tenants. These rules include clear requirements for heat and hot water. As a Rhode Island renter, understanding these laws can help you know what to expect from your landlord—and what to do if your home isn't meeting basic standards.

Minimum Heat and Hot Water Requirements in Rhode Island

Rhode Island rental housing must provide adequate heat and hot water. The rules are set by the Rhode Island Minimum Housing Code and are reinforced by the Rhode Island Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.^1,2

• Heat: From October 1 through May 1, landlords must ensure rental units can maintain a room temperature of at least 68°F (20°C) between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., and 64°F (18°C) overnight (11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.).
• Hot Water: Landlords must provide hot water at a minimum of 120°F (49°C) at all times, unless the written lease places this duty on the tenant and an individual water heater serves only that unit.

Simply put, your landlord is responsible for delivering a consistently warm and healthy living environment. These protections are here so tenants aren't left struggling with cold apartments or cold showers during Rhode Island’s long winters.

What If My Apartment Doesn't Have Heat or Hot Water?

If your heat or hot water isn't working, notify your landlord or property manager as soon as the problem arises. Put your request in writing and keep a copy for your records. Rhode Island law gives landlords a reasonable time to make repairs—typically no more than 20 days for essential services, but urgent issues like no heat in winter may require faster action.²

Step-by-Step: Reporting and Resolving Problems

• Contact your landlord or property manager in writing. Be clear about the issue, when it started, and request repairs.
• If the landlord doesn't respond or fix the problem quickly, you can report the violation to your local city or town housing/code enforcement office. Find your local authority on the RI Housing Rental Inspection Program page.
• If repairs still aren't made, you may be able to file a formal complaint or take further legal action. In some cases, tenants can ask the local housing court for help, or even make repairs and deduct the cost (always check with your municipality and follow legal procedures).

Relevant Forms for Renters

• Tenant Complaint or Request for Inspection Form:
  
  • When to Use: If your landlord is not addressing heat or hot water issues, you can submit a complaint to city or town housing officials.
  • How it's Used: Example: After you notified your landlord about no heat and there was no quick response, fill out your local municipality’s rental code inspection request form (names and formats vary by city/town).
• District Court Complaint - Residential Landlord-Tenant:
  
  • When to Use: If repairs aren’t made and your unit is uninhabitable, you may file a complaint in the Rhode Island District Court—the official tribunal for tenant claims.
  • How it's Used: Example: Submit a District Court Complaint form (scroll to "Landlord and Tenant") to request the landlord be ordered to restore heat or hot water. Follow instructions for your county and court location.

Always keep records of your requests and correspondence with your landlord or any complaints filed. Forms may differ by city or court, so check with your local authority if you need guidance.

Which Agency Handles Tenant Complaints?

Rhode Island tenant complaints about heat, hot water, and habitability issues are usually handled by your municipal code enforcement office or Rhode Island District Court for housing matters. The primary legislation is the Rhode Island Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.²

FAQ: Rhode Island Renters' Questions on Heat and Hot Water

1. Can my landlord shut off the heat at night in the winter?
   No. Heat must be maintained at or above 64°F (18°C) overnight and 68°F (20°C) during the day, from October 1 to May 1.
2. What if my building uses separate hot water heaters for each rental unit?
   If your written lease says you are responsible and you control an individual heater, you may be responsible. If not, the landlord must provide hot water at 120°F (49°C) or higher.
3. How fast does my landlord have to fix a broken heater or boiler?
   The law requires "reasonable" speed, but for essential services like heat or hot water, repairs should be made as soon as possible, often within a few days—especially in winter.
4. Where do I report a landlord who doesn't fix heat or hot water issues?
   Report to your municipal code enforcement office or, for unresolved serious issues, file a complaint in Rhode Island District Court.
5. Can I withhold rent if my apartment doesn't have heat?
   Withholding rent can risk eviction. Always follow the legal process—put requests in writing and contact authorities first. Get advice from the local housing office or court before taking this step.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• RI Housing Rental Housing Inspection Program – Find your local office to report code violations.
• Rhode Island District Court - Landlord & Tenant Cases – File complaints or get information about tenant legal actions.
• Rhode Island Residential Landlord and Tenant Act – Full official law on rental rights and duties.
• Rhode Island Office of Housing and Community Development - Rental Assistance & Advocacy

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1. See Rhode Island Minimum Housing Code, Section 2.16.5 (Heating Facilities) and Section 2.16.6 (Hot Water Facilities).
2. Rhode Island General Laws § 34-18-22 – Landlord’s Obligations Relating to Habitability.

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