R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 34-18 § 34-18-27
Tenant to use and occupy
Operative Text
Unless otherwise agreed, a tenant shall occupy his or her dwelling unit only as a dwelling unit. The rental agreement may require that the tenant notify the landlord of any anticipated extended absence from the premises in excess of ten (10) days no later than the first day of the extended absence.
Rhode Island General Laws § 34-18-27 establishes that a rental unit is to be used as a residence unless the landlord and tenant have agreed otherwise. Additionally, a lease may include a clause requiring the tenant to give the landlord advance notice—by the first day of the absence—if the tenant plans to be away from the unit for more than ten consecutive days. This provision sets a baseline use expectation while allowing some flexibility through mutual agreement or lease terms.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 34-18-27, compliant operators generally ensure their lease agreements clearly state the residential-use expectation for the dwelling unit. If a landlord wishes to be informed of extended tenant absences, the lease should explicitly include a notice requirement, specifying that tenants must notify the landlord no later than the first day of any absence exceeding ten days. Operators who want to monitor vacancy or protect the property during long absences typically include this clause as a standard lease provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 34-18-27 of Rhode Island's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act means that your rental unit is intended to be used as a home, and any other use would generally require the landlord's agreement. If your lease contains an extended-absence notice clause, you may be expected to inform your landlord by the first day of any trip or absence lasting more than ten days. Tenants who have questions about how this provision applies to their lease can consult a tenant-rights organization or review resources provided by Rhode Island Legal Services.
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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