R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 6-13.1 § 6-13.1-2
Unlawful acts or practices
Operative Text
Unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in the conduct of any trade or commerce are declared unlawful.
Rhode Island General Laws § 6-13.1-2 establishes that unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices carried out in the course of trade or commerce are prohibited under state law. This provision serves as the foundational prohibition of Rhode Island's consumer protection framework, covering a broad range of conduct that could mislead or harm consumers in marketplace transactions. The rule applies across industries and transaction types, including those involving housing and rental markets.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 6-13.1-2, property owners and managers operating in Rhode Island's rental market are subject to the state's broad prohibition on unfair or deceptive trade practices. Compliant operators generally ensure that all advertising, lease terms, fee disclosures, and communications with prospective or current tenants are accurate, transparent, and not misleading. Practices such as misrepresenting unit conditions, concealing material facts, or using deceptive pricing can fall within the scope of conduct this provision targets.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 6-13.1-2 provides a legal basis for challenging unfair or deceptive conduct by landlords or property managers in the context of renting a home in Rhode Island. Tenants who believe they have experienced deceptive practices — such as false advertising, hidden fees, or misrepresentations about a unit — may have grounds to raise a violation under this provision. General enforcement paths include filing a complaint with the Rhode Island Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit or consulting a tenant-rights organization to understand available options.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation