R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 34-37 § 34-37-2.4
Right to equal housing opportunities — Victims of domestic violence status
Operative Text
It shall be unlawful and against public policy to discriminate against a tenant or applicant for housing solely on the basis that said tenant or applicant is a victim of domestic violence.
Rhode Island law under R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-37-2.4 establishes that housing discrimination based solely on a person's status as a domestic violence victim is both unlawful and contrary to public policy. This provision applies to both current tenants and those applying for housing. The rule does not limit a landlord's ability to act on other legitimate, non-discriminatory grounds; it specifically targets decisions made solely because of domestic violence victim status.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-37-2.4, compliant housing operators ensure that rental decisions — including applications, renewals, and tenancy actions — are not driven solely by an applicant's or tenant's status as a domestic violence victim. Operators generally document the legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons behind any adverse housing decision to demonstrate that victim status was not the sole basis. Reviewing screening criteria and training staff on this provision helps maintain consistent, lawful practices across all applicants and tenants.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-37-2.4 gives tenants and housing applicants the right to be free from discrimination based solely on their status as a domestic violence victim. If a landlord denies an application, refuses to renew a lease, or takes other adverse action that appears to be motivated solely by that status, this provision may be relevant to challenging that decision. Tenants and applicants can explore options such as filing a complaint with the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights or consulting a tenant-rights organization familiar with state fair 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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