R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 6-13.1 § 6-13.1-25
Penalties
Operative Text
A violation of §§ 6-13.1-21, 6-13.1-22 or 6-13.1-23 shall constitute a deceptive trade practice for enforcement purposes. Any credit bureau that negligently fails to comply with the requirements imposed under this chapter with respect to any consumer and that does not achieve compliance within three (3) working days of being notified of its noncompliance by the consumer is liable to that consumer in an amount equal to the sum of ten dollars ($10.00) per day for each day of noncompliance, beginning on the fourth day following the date that the credit bureau is notified by the consumer of the noncompliance; provided that there is noncompliance as determined by the court, plus any actual damages sustained by the consumer as a result of the negligent failure; and in the case of any successful action to enforce any provision under this chapter, the costs of the action together with reasonable attorney's fees as determined by the court.
Under Rhode Island General Laws § 6-13.1-25, violations of the credit bureau conduct rules set out in §§ 6-13.1-21 through 6-13.1-23 are treated as deceptive trade practices for enforcement purposes. A credit bureau that negligently fails to meet its obligations and does not come into compliance within three working days of being notified by a consumer becomes liable for $10 per day for each day of continued noncompliance, starting on the fourth day after notification. On top of that daily penalty, the credit bureau may also owe the consumer any actual damages caused by the failure, plus court costs and reasonable attorney's fees if the consumer prevails in a legal action.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Although § 6-13.1-25 is directed at credit bureaus rather than landlords, property owners and managers who use consumer credit reports in tenant screening should be aware that the underlying provisions—§§ 6-13.1-21 through 6-13.1-23—carry deceptive-trade-practice status when violated. Compliant operators generally ensure that any credit bureau they work with is responsive to consumer dispute notices and meets Rhode Island's compliance timelines. Understanding this penalty framework can inform how landlords evaluate and select the credit reporting services they rely on for applicant screening.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Rhode Island General Laws § 6-13.1-25 gives consumers a concrete financial remedy when a credit bureau negligently ignores its obligations: if the bureau does not fix the problem within three working days of being notified, a court may award $10 per day starting on the fourth day, along with any actual damages and attorney's fees if the action is successful. Tenants who believe a credit bureau has failed to comply with §§ 6-13.1-21 through 6-13.1-23 may consider documenting the date and method of their notification to the bureau, as that date triggers the compliance clock under this provision. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid offices familiar with Rhode Island consumer protection law can help explain the range of options available for pursuing a claim under this chapter.
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 In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation