R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 31-44.2 § 31-44.2-1
Legislative findings and purpose
Operative Text
The general assembly finds that abandoned mobile and manufactured homes are a nuisance because they cause blight and depress property values. This act is intended to provide local governments and landowners with the authority to remove abandoned mobile and manufactured homes while protecting property rights.
Rhode Island General Laws § 31-44.2-1 establishes the legislature's rationale for regulating abandoned mobile and manufactured homes, declaring them a public nuisance on the grounds that they contribute to blight and reduce surrounding property values. The provision sets the foundation for a statutory framework that grants local governments and private landowners the legal authority to remove such homes. At the same time, the law signals an intent to balance removal authority against the protection of property rights belonging to all parties involved.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 31-44.2-1, Rhode Island has recognized that abandoned mobile and manufactured homes on a property can constitute a nuisance, which forms the legal basis for the removal procedures established elsewhere in Chapter 31-44.2. Landowners who manage mobile home parks or lots where homes may be left behind should be aware that this legislative finding supports their authority to act, provided they follow the procedural requirements the chapter sets out. Operators generally document the condition and abandonment status of any such home before initiating any removal process under this framework.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 31-44.2-1 reflects the Rhode Island legislature's intent to protect property rights even as it authorizes removal of abandoned mobile and manufactured homes, meaning residents and owners of such homes retain rights that the broader Chapter 31-44.2 framework is designed to respect. Tenants or home owners who believe a home is being wrongly characterized as abandoned may have grounds to raise that issue through the procedures outlined in the chapter. Consulting a tenant-rights organization familiar with Rhode Island mobile home law can help individuals understand what protections apply to their situation under this statutory scheme.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 15, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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