R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 45-24.2 § 45-24.2-8

(a) The district court has, upon proceedings instituted in the name of any of the several
cities or towns, power to proceed according to equity to:


(1) Restrain, prevent, enjoin, abate, or correct a violation; or


(2) Order the repair, vacation, or demolition of any dwelling existing in violation of
the provisions of any ordinance passed or to otherwise compel compliance with all
of the provisions of any ordinance adopted pursuant to the authority of this chapter
or any special act governing minimum housing standards.


(b) When, under the provisions of any ordinance passed pursuant to the authority of this
chapter or any special act, any work is done or material furnished by any enforcing
officer or by the officer's order at the expense of the owner or other persons interested,
the value of that work and material may be recovered in an action brought against
the owner or other interested person or persons, and if any work or materials has
been done or furnished at the cost of the city or town, the enforcing officer shall
cause the action to be brought in the name of the city or town. Upon the entry of
any case or proceeding brought under the provisions of any ordinance passed pursuant
to the authority of this chapter or any special act, the court shall, at the request
of either party, advance the case so that it may be heard and determined with as little
delay as possible. All proceedings instituted in the names of the several cities or
towns are exempt from the payment of the district court filing fees. A party aggrieved
by any judgment of the district court may seek review by the supreme court in accordance
with § 8-8-3.2(b).