R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 6-13.1 § 6-13.1-3
Interpretation
Operative Text
It is the intent of the legislature that in construing §§ 6-13.1-1 and 6-13.1-2 due consideration and great weight shall be given to the interpretations of the Federal Trade Commission and the federal courts relating to § 5(a) of the Federal Trade Commission Act. 15 U.S.C. § 45(a)(1), as from time to time amended.
Rhode Island General Laws § 6-13.1-3 establishes an interpretive rule directing that the state's unfair and deceptive trade practices provisions—§§ 6-13.1-1 and 6-13.1-2—should be read in harmony with federal law. Specifically, courts and agencies applying Rhode Island's consumer protection statute are instructed to give significant weight to how the Federal Trade Commission and federal courts have interpreted Section 5(a) of the Federal Trade Commission Act. This alignment is intended to keep Rhode Island's consumer protection standards consistent with the evolving body of federal unfair-practices law.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Rhode Island should be aware that § 6-13.1-3 ties the interpretation of the state's consumer protection rules to federal FTC standards. Practices that federal regulators or courts have found to be unfair or deceptive under the FTC Act are likely to be viewed similarly under Rhode Island law. Compliant operators generally monitor both federal FTC guidance and Rhode Island developments to ensure their leasing, advertising, and tenant-communication practices remain consistent with standards recognized at both levels.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 6-13.1-3, Rhode Island's consumer protection law is interpreted in light of federal FTC precedent, which can broaden the range of conduct that may be considered unfair or deceptive in a housing context. Tenants who believe a landlord has engaged in misleading or unfair practices may have recourse under Rhode Island's consumer protection statute, informed by this federal interpretive framework. Tenant-rights organizations and the Rhode Island Attorney General's office are among the resources available to help individuals understand whether a particular practice may fall within the scope of §§ 6-13.1-1 and 6-13.1-2 as shaped by § 6-13.1-3.
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
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