R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 34-18.1 § 34-18.1-20
Removal of persons in tourist camps
Operative Text
Notwithstanding the provisions of § 34-18-8(4), all persons keeping tourist camps as defined under § 44-18-7(11), including campgrounds, may remove or cause to be removed from such establishment any guest remaining in a rental unit in violation of an agreed upon departure time and date by notifying such guest that the establishment no longer desires to entertain him or her and requesting that he or she immediately leave. Any guest who remains or attempts to remain in a rental unit after being so requested to leave shall be guilty of a civil violation of this section. Any law enforcement officer of this state, upon the request of the operator of the same, shall assist in the abatement of the violation.
Rhode Island General Laws § 34-18.1-20 establishes a specific rule for tourist camps and campgrounds, which are defined under state law. When a guest stays past an agreed-upon departure date and time, the camp operator may ask that guest to leave immediately, and the guest is not entitled to the standard residential tenant protections that would otherwise apply under § 34-18-8(4). A guest who refuses to leave after being asked commits a civil violation, and state law enforcement officers may be called upon to assist the operator in removing that person.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of tourist camps and campgrounds covered by § 34-18.1-20 generally maintain clear, written records of each guest's agreed departure date and time, since that agreement is the foundation for invoking this provision. When a guest overstays, a compliant operator typically notifies the guest directly and explicitly that the establishment no longer wishes to host them and requests their immediate departure. If the guest refuses, § 34-18.1-20 authorizes the operator to contact local law enforcement to assist with removal, bypassing the standard eviction procedures that apply to residential tenancies under § 34-18-8(4).
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Guests staying at tourist camps or campgrounds in Rhode Island should be aware that § 34-18.1-20 places them outside the ordinary residential tenant protections when they remain past an agreed departure date and time. Unlike standard residential tenants, an overstaying camp guest can be asked to leave immediately and, if they refuse, may be found to have committed a civil violation under this section. Guests who believe a removal request was improper or that their situation falls outside the scope of § 34-18.1-20 may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid service to understand what options may be available.
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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