R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 34-18.1 § 34-18.1-16
Payment of rent on stay of execution
Operative Text
Whenever the issuance of an execution for the recovery of real property covered by this chapter, or the service of an execution, is stayed by order of the court or by the operation of law, the stay shall be conditioned upon the payment, by the defendant or defendants to the plaintiff or plaintiffs in such actions, of sums of money equal to the rent for the premises, which sums shall be paid at the times and in the amounts as rent would be due and payable were the action not then pending. The acceptance of moneys shall not constitute a waiver of the right of the plaintiff or plaintiffs to obtain possession of the premises, nor shall the receipt thereof be deemed to reinstate the defendant or defendants as a tenant.
Under Rhode Island General Laws § 34-18.1-16, when a court or operation of law places a hold on carrying out an eviction order involving property covered by this chapter, that hold comes with a financial condition: the tenant must continue paying amounts equal to regular rent, on the same schedule as if no eviction case were pending. Importantly, the landlord's acceptance of those payments does not give up their right to regain possession of the property, and receiving the money does not legally restore the tenant's status as a tenant in good standing.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 34-18.1-16, operators managing properties subject to this chapter should be aware that accepting court-ordered rent-equivalent payments during a stayed execution does not waive their right to pursue possession of the premises. Compliant operators typically document each payment received during a stay, noting that acceptance is made without prejudice to the ongoing eviction proceeding. Keeping clear records that distinguish these payments from ordinary tenancy rent can help demonstrate that no reinstatement of tenancy was intended.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 34-18.1-16 establishes that when an eviction execution is stayed, tenants are generally required to continue making payments equal to their regular rent as a condition of that stay. Tenants should understand that while these payments must be made, the landlord's acceptance of them does not automatically restore full tenant status or eliminate the underlying eviction action. Those seeking to understand how this condition applies to their circumstances may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider familiar with Rhode Island housing 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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