R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 34-37 § 34-37-9
Construction
Operative Text
The provisions of this chapter shall be construed liberally for the accomplishment of the purposes intended and any provisions of any law inconsistent with any provisions hereof shall not apply. Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to repeal any of the provisions of any law of the state prohibiting discrimination based on race or color, religion, sex, 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, disability, age, or familial status. Nothing contained in this chapter shall restrict the original jurisdiction of the courts to proceed with evictions as provided in chapter 18 of this title.
Rhode Island General Laws § 34-37-9 establishes that the fair housing provisions of Chapter 34-37 are to be read broadly in favor of their anti-discrimination purposes, and any conflicting state law provisions are displaced. At the same time, the section makes clear that Chapter 34-37 does not repeal or weaken any other state laws that prohibit discrimination on grounds such as race, religion, sex, disability, age, familial status, or military/veteran status. The section also preserves the courts' existing authority to handle eviction proceedings under Chapter 18 of Title 34, meaning those judicial processes remain intact alongside the fair housing framework.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 34-37-9, property owners and managers should understand that Rhode Island's fair housing chapter is interpreted expansively, meaning ambiguities in the law tend to be resolved in favor of protecting against discrimination. Compliant operators generally ensure their practices align not only with Chapter 34-37 but also with any other applicable state anti-discrimination laws, since § 34-37-9 confirms those laws remain fully in force. Familiarity with both the fair housing chapter and Rhode Island's broader anti-discrimination framework is a characteristic of well-managed rental operations in the state.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 34-37-9 is significant for tenants because it directs courts and agencies to interpret Rhode Island's fair housing protections broadly, which generally supports robust enforcement of anti-discrimination rights. Tenants should also be aware that this provision confirms that other state laws prohibiting discrimination—covering characteristics such as disability, familial status, and veteran status—remain fully effective alongside Chapter 34-37, providing overlapping layers of protection. Tenants who believe their rights have been violated may consider contacting a local tenant-rights organization, filing a complaint with a relevant state agency, or consulting an attorney to understand which legal avenues may be available under this and related provisions.
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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