R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 6-13.1 § 6-13.1-5.2
Private and class actions
Operative Text
(a) Any person who purchases or leases goods or services primarily for personal, family, or household purposes and thereby suffers any ascertainable loss of money or property, real or personal, as a result of the use or employment by another person of a method, act, or practice declared unlawful by § 6-13.1-2, may bring an action under the rules of civil procedure in the superior court of the county in which the seller or lessor resides; is found; has his or her principal place of business or is doing business; or in the superior court of the county as is otherwise provided by law, to recover actual damages or five hundred dollars ($500), whichever is greater. The court may award damages equal to three (3) times the amount of actual damages and, in its discretion, provide other equitable relief that it deems necessary or proper. (b) Persons entitled to bring an action under subsection (a) of this section may, if the unlawful method, act, or practice has caused similar injury to numerous other persons similarly situated and if they adequately represent the similarly situated persons, bring an action on behalf of themselves and other similarly injured and situated persons to recover damages as provided for in subsection (a) of this section. In any action brought under this section, the court may in its discretion order, in addition to damages, injunctive or other equitable relief. (c) Upon commencement of any action brought under subsection (a) of this section, the clerk of court shall mail a copy of the complaint or other initial pleading to the attorney general and, upon entry of any judgment or decree in the action, shall mail a copy of the judgment or decree to the attorney general. (d) In any action brought by a person under this section, the court may award, in addition to the relief provided in this section, reasonable attorney's fees and costs. (e) Any permanent injunction, judgment, or order of the court made under § 6-13.1-5 shall be prima facie evidence in an action brought under this section that the respondent used or employed a method, act, or practice declared unlawful by § 6-13.1-2.
Rhode Island General Laws § 6-13.1-5.2 establishes a private right of action for consumers who suffer a measurable financial or property loss due to an unlawful trade practice under § 6-13.1-2. An affected consumer can sue in superior court to recover actual damages or $500—whichever is greater—and a court may triple that amount at its discretion. The law also permits class-action suits when many similarly situated people have been harmed, and courts may additionally award attorney's fees, costs, and equitable relief such as injunctions.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 6-13.1-5.2, property owners and managers who engage in conduct deemed an unlawful method, act, or practice under Rhode Island's consumer protection statute face exposure to individual or class-action lawsuits filed directly by tenants or other consumers. Compliant operators generally ensure that their leasing practices, disclosures, and fee structures conform to § 6-13.1-2 to avoid triggering claims where courts can award treble damages and attorney's fees. Operators should also be aware that any prior injunction or court order entered against them under § 6-13.1-5 can be used as prima facie evidence against them in a subsequent private lawsuit.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Rhode Island General Laws § 6-13.1-5.2 gives tenants and other consumers who have suffered a measurable loss from an unlawful trade practice the right to file a lawsuit in superior court seeking at least $500 or their actual damages, whichever is more. If a court finds the violation warrants it, damages can be tripled, and the court may also order the landlord or other party to pay reasonable attorney's fees and costs. Tenants who believe they have been harmed may explore filing an individual claim, joining or initiating a class action if others were similarly affected, or consulting a tenant-rights organization to understand available enforcement paths under this provision.
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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