R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 31-44.2 § 31-44.2-2
Definitions
Operative Text
As used in this chapter: (1) "Department" means the department of business regulation. (2) "Mobile and manufactured home" means a detached residential unit designed: (i) For a long-term occupancy and containing sleeping accommodations, a flush toilet, and a tub or shower bath, and kitchen facilities, having both permanent plumbing and electrical connections for attachment to outside systems; (ii) To be transported on its own wheels or on a flatbed or other trailer or detachable wheels; and (iii) To be placed on pads, piers, or tied down, at the site where it is to be occupied as a residence complete and ready for occupancy, except for minor and incidental unpacking and assembly operations and connection to utilities systems. (3) "Abandoned mobile and manufactured home" means a mobile and manufactured home that is: (i) Not connected to electricity or not connected to a source of safe potable water supply sufficient for normal residential needs, or both; or (ii) Not connected to an adequate wastewater disposal system; or (iii) Unoccupied for a period of at least one hundred twenty (120) days and for which there is clear and convincing evidence that the occupant does not intend to return; or (iv) So damaged, decayed, dilapidated, unsanitary, unsafe, or vermin infested that it creates a hazard to the health and safety of the occupants or the public. (4) "Landowner" means the owner of the real property on which an abandoned mobile or manufactured home is located. (5) "Municipality" means the city or town in which the mobile or manufactured home is located. (6) "Licensee" means any person or agent licensed under § 31-44-1.7 who is directly or indirectly engaged in the business of maintaining or operating a mobile- and manufactured-home park under the provisions of chapter 44 of title 31.
Section 31-44.2-2 of Rhode Island General Laws establishes the core vocabulary used throughout Chapter 31-44.2, which governs abandoned mobile and manufactured homes. It defines key terms including what qualifies as a 'mobile and manufactured home,' the conditions under which such a home is considered 'abandoned,' and who counts as a 'landowner,' 'municipality,' and 'licensee' under the chapter. These definitions set the boundaries for how the rest of the chapter's rules apply, determining which properties, people, and situations fall within its scope.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-44.2-2, operators and landowners involved with mobile and manufactured home parks should be familiar with how the statute defines 'abandoned' — a home may meet that threshold if it lacks utility connections, has been unoccupied for 120 or more days with evidence the occupant does not intend to return, or poses a health and safety hazard. Licensees, as defined by reference to § 31-44-1.7, are specifically brought within the chapter's reach, meaning park operators licensed under that provision are subject to the obligations and procedures the chapter establishes. Compliant operators generally maintain records of occupancy status and utility connections for homes within their parks, as these are the factual markers the definitions rely upon.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
For residents of mobile and manufactured home parks in Rhode Island, § 31-44.2-2 matters because the definition of 'abandoned' directly affects whether a home — and by extension a tenancy — could become subject to the procedures the rest of Chapter 31-44.2 authorizes. A home is not considered abandoned simply because it is temporarily unoccupied; the statute requires either utility disconnection, a health or safety hazard, or at least 120 days of vacancy combined with clear and convincing evidence of no intent to return. Tenants who believe their home or situation is being mischaracterized under these definitions may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider familiar with Rhode Island mobile home park law.
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.
Effective Timeline
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