R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 34-18 § 34-18-51
Issuance of execution on nonpayment of rent
Operative Text
In the event that the tenant shall fail or refuse to pay all sums promptly when due in accordance with the provisions of § 34-18-49, the court in which the judgment for possession was issued shall, on motion of the landlord and after hearing thereon, including satisfactory proof of such nonpayment, enter an order for the issuance of such execution and the prompt service thereof, and from this order there shall be no appeal.
Rhode Island General Laws § 34-18-51 establishes what happens when a tenant who has been allowed to stay in a rental unit under a payment plan (as set out in § 34-18-49) fails to make the required payments. In that situation, the court that originally issued the judgment for possession may, upon the landlord's motion and after a hearing with proof of nonpayment, order that an eviction execution be issued and served promptly. Notably, the statute provides that this court order cannot be appealed.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 34-18-51, landlords who have obtained a judgment for possession and agreed to a payment arrangement under § 34-18-49 have a defined legal path if the tenant stops paying. A compliant operator typically documents all missed or partial payments carefully, then files a motion with the original court, presenting satisfactory proof of nonpayment at the required hearing. Because the resulting execution order is not subject to appeal, the process can move forward relatively quickly once the court is satisfied with the evidence presented.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 34-18-51 of Rhode Island's landlord-tenant law governs the court process that can lead to an eviction execution being issued when payments required under § 34-18-49 are not made. Tenants facing a motion under this provision have the right to a hearing before any execution is ordered, which provides an opportunity to present evidence—such as proof of payments made or disputes about amounts owed. Because the statute bars any appeal of the resulting order, tenants who believe there is a legal issue may want to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid service before or during that hearing.
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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Rules and statutes that cite this regulation