R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 34-37 § 34-37-5.4
Discrimination in residential real estate related transactions
Operative Text
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person or other entity whose business includes engaging in residential real estate-related transactions to discriminate against any person in making available a transaction, or in the terms and conditions of the transaction, because of race, color, religion, marital status, military status as a veteran with an honorable discharge or an honorable or general administrative discharge, servicemember in the armed forces, country of ancestral origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or familial status. (b) As used in this section, the term "residential real estate-related transaction" means any of the following: (1) The making or purchasing of loans or providing other financial assistance: (i) For purchasing, constructing, improving, repairing, or maintaining a dwelling; or (ii) Secured by residential real estate. (2) The selling, brokering, or appraising of residential real property. (c) Nothing in this chapter prohibits a person engaged in the business of furnishing appraisals of real property to take into consideration factors other than race, color, religion, marital status, military status as a veteran with an honorable discharge or an honorable or general administrative discharge, servicemember in the armed forces, country of ancestral origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or familial status.
Rhode Island General Laws § 34-37-5.4 prohibits businesses involved in residential real estate transactions — such as lenders, brokers, and appraisers — from treating people differently based on protected characteristics including race, religion, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, military or veteran status, and country of ancestral origin. The rule covers a broad range of transactions, including home loans, refinancing, property sales, brokerage services, and appraisals secured by residential real estate. Appraisers are permitted to consider legitimate, non-protected factors when valuing property, but may not use any of the listed characteristics as a basis for their assessments.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 34-37-5.4, operators and property owners who participate in residential real estate-related transactions — including arranging financing, selling, or working with brokers — are generally expected to ensure that all parties are offered the same terms and access to transactions regardless of protected characteristics such as race, disability, familial status, or sexual orientation. Compliant operators typically document their transaction criteria, apply them uniformly, and train staff to avoid practices that could constitute differential treatment under this provision. Businesses that facilitate appraisals should be aware that while appraisers may use non-protected valuation factors, the broader anti-discrimination framework of § 34-37-5.4 still applies to the transaction context surrounding those appraisals.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 34-37-5.4 of Rhode Island General Laws gives individuals the right to access residential real estate transactions — including home purchase loans, refinancing, and brokerage services — without being subjected to discrimination based on characteristics such as race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. If someone believes they have been denied a loan, received unfavorable terms, or been treated differently in a real estate transaction because of a protected characteristic, this provision may be relevant to their situation. General enforcement paths can include filing a complaint with a state or federal fair housing agency, raising the violation in a legal proceeding, or reaching out to a tenant- or consumer-rights organization familiar with Rhode Island 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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