Rhode Island · Repairs · Updated Oct 2026

Rhode Island tenant repair rights

What a landlord in Rhode Island must keep in repair, how to ask for repairs, whether you can repair and deduct or withhold rent, and the protection against retaliation.

Short answer

The landlord must follow building and housing codes, make all repairs needed to keep the home fit and habitable, keep common areas clean and safe, keep electrical, plumbing, heating, air-conditioning and appliances working, provide trash containers and removal, supply running water and hot water at all times and reasonable heat from October 1 to May 1.

Repair and deduct
Allowed (with conditions)
Withholding rent
Not allowed
Notice before entry
2 days

Repairs in Rhode Island

The landlord's duty
The landlord must follow building and housing codes, make all repairs needed to keep the home fit and habitable, keep common areas clean and safe, keep electrical, plumbing, heating, air-conditioning and appliances working, provide trash containers and removal, supply running water and hot water at all times and reasonable heat from October 1 to May 1. R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-22.
How to ask for repairs
Give written notice and keep a copy. For repair-and-deduct the landlord has 20 days. For serious violations you may also give written notice under § 34-18-28 to end the lease if not fixed.
Repair and deduct
Allowed for repairs costing less than $500 in total per year (raised from $125 on January 1, 2024). Notify the landlord in writing that you intend to fix the problem at the landlord's expense. If the landlord doesn't fix it within 20 days (or as fast as needed in an emergency), and isn't making good-faith efforts, you may have it repaired skillfully and to code, give the landlord an itemized statement, and deduct the cost from rent. If the landlord fails to supply heat, water, hot water, electricity or gas, after notice you may buy it and deduct the cost, sue, or move to substitute housing and stop paying rent for that time. R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 34-18-30, 34-18-31.
Withholding rent
No general right to withhold rent. But if you are sued for nonpayment, you can counterclaim for the landlord's violations, and the court may order you to pay rent into court while it decides. R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-32.
Law
R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 34-18-22, 34-18-28, 34-18-30, 34-18-31, 34-18-32

Landlord entry in Rhode Island

At least 2 days' notice, and entry only at reasonable times, except in an emergency or when notice is impracticable. The landlord may also enter without consent if you are away more than 7 days and entry is reasonably needed to protect the property. The landlord may not use access to harass you. R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-26.

Retaliation in Rhode Island

The landlord may not raise rent, cut services, or file or threaten eviction because you complained to a code agency, complained to the landlord about repairs, joined a tenant union, or used any legal right. A complaint within 6 months before the landlord's action creates a presumption of retaliation. You get the lockout remedies (up to 3 months' rent or triple damages). R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-46.

Get repairs made, step by step

  1. Write down the problem and take dated photos or video.
  2. Ask in writing and keep a copy. In Rhode Island: Give written notice and keep a copy.
  3. Give the landlord the time the rule allows, and let them in to do the work with proper notice.
  4. If nothing happens, call your local housing or code inspector and talk to legal aid before you stop paying any rent.
  5. Keep paying rent unless the rule above lets you withhold it and you follow its steps exactly.

Repair request letter for Rhode Island

Ask your landlord in writing to fix the problem by a date. A written, dated request is the first step in almost every state, and it is proof that the landlord knew. Check the problems, add dates, then download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it). Sign it, keep a copy and photos, and send it in a way you can prove.

Your letter is made in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to us or anyone else.

The name on your lease or rent receipts.

What needs repair? (required)

Your state's rule on repair requests is shown below the form.

Rhode Island's rule on asking for repairs:Give written notice and keep a copy. For repair-and-deduct the landlord has 20 days. For serious violations you may also give written notice under § 34-18-28 to end the lease if not fixed.

Dates, rooms and how the problem affects you. This text goes into the letter as written.

Where to get free help in Rhode Island

Questions about repairs in Rhode Island

How do I ask my landlord for repairs in Rhode Island?

Give written notice and keep a copy. For repair-and-deduct the landlord has 20 days. For serious violations you may also give written notice under § 34-18-28 to end the lease if not fixed.

Can I repair and deduct the cost from rent in Rhode Island?

Allowed for repairs costing less than $500 in total per year (raised from $125 on January 1, 2024). Notify the landlord in writing that you intend to fix the problem at the landlord's expense. If the landlord doesn't fix it within 20 days (or as fast as needed in an emergency), and isn't making good-faith efforts, you may have it repaired skillfully and to code, give the landlord an itemized statement, and deduct the cost from rent. If the landlord fails to supply heat, water, hot water, electricity or gas, after notice you may buy it and deduct the cost, sue, or move to substitute housing and stop paying rent for that time. R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 34-18-30, 34-18-31.

Can I withhold rent for repairs in Rhode Island?

No general right to withhold rent. But if you are sued for nonpayment, you can counterclaim for the landlord's violations, and the court may order you to pay rent into court while it decides. R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-32.

How much notice does a landlord need to enter in Rhode Island?

At least 2 days' notice, and entry only at reasonable times, except in an emergency or when notice is impracticable. The landlord may also enter without consent if you are away more than 7 days and entry is reasonably needed to protect the property. The landlord may not use access to harass you. R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-26.

Can my landlord retaliate if I complain in Rhode Island?

The landlord may not raise rent, cut services, or file or threaten eviction because you complained to a code agency, complained to the landlord about repairs, joined a tenant union, or used any legal right. A complaint within 6 months before the landlord's action creates a presumption of retaliation. You get the lockout remedies (up to 3 months' rent or triple damages). R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-46.

More for Rhode Island renters

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Sources

Last checked: Oct 2026.