R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 34-18.1 § 34-18.1-1
Purpose
Operative Text
This chapter shall apply to all commercial properties and other estates, excluding residential properties governed by the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, chapter 18 of this title.
Rhode Island General Laws § 34-18.1-1 establishes the scope of Chapter 34-18.1, which covers commercial properties and other non-residential estates. Residential properties that fall under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Chapter 18 of Title 34) are explicitly excluded from this chapter's reach. In effect, the two frameworks operate in parallel, each governing a distinct category of property relationships.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of commercial properties in Rhode Island should be aware that their leasing relationships are governed by Chapter 34-18.1, not by the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. Under § 34-18.1-1, the rights, obligations, and remedies applicable to commercial landlords differ from those that apply in residential contexts. Owners managing a mix of property types should take care to identify which legal framework applies to each tenancy.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
If you occupy a commercial space in Rhode Island, § 34-18.1-1 signals that your tenancy is governed by Chapter 34-18.1 rather than the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, which means the protections specific to residential tenants do not automatically apply. Understanding which chapter covers your lease can affect the remedies and rights available to you in a dispute. Tenants seeking to understand how this distinction affects their situation may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid resource familiar with Rhode Island commercial tenancy 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.
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