R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 34-18.1 § 34-18.1-15
Right of "self help" prohibited
Operative Text
The right of a landlord or a reversioner to utilize "self help", whether pursuant to the common law or pursuant to any agreement in writing or by parol, to reenter and repossess him or herself of land, buildings or parts of buildings leased covered by this chapter upon nonpayment of rent, is prohibited.
Rhode Island General Laws § 34-18.1-15 prohibits landlords and reversioners from using 'self-help' methods — such as physically re-entering or retaking possession of a leased property — when a tenant has not paid rent. This ban applies regardless of whether the claimed right to self-help comes from common law, a written lease, or an oral agreement. The law establishes that the only permissible path to regaining possession is through formal legal process.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 34-18.1-15, compliant property owners and managers pursue court-supervised legal proceedings when seeking to recover possession of a rental unit due to nonpayment of rent, rather than taking direct physical action. Actions such as changing locks, removing belongings, or otherwise physically ousting a tenant without a court order fall squarely within the conduct this provision prohibits. Operators generally document nonpayment issues and work through the formal eviction process established under Rhode Island law.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 34-18.1-15 gives tenants a clear legal protection against a landlord who attempts to retake a rental unit through physical force, lock changes, or other extrajudicial means when rent is unpaid. If a landlord engages in such conduct, this provision may be raised as a defense or basis for a legal claim in court proceedings. Tenants who believe their landlord has violated this prohibition may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider to understand the options available to them.
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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