habitability protected.
Landlords must maintain fit premises. Tenants may repair and deduct up to the greater of $125 or half a month's rent, or pursue rent abatement, after notice.
What this means for you: The repair-and-deduct cap is small; rent abatement may be more useful for serious defects.
Your next step: Send written notice and wait the statutory period before acting.
Source: R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-30, § 34-18-31. Reviewed 2026-06-16 (needs local verification).
More Rhode Island rights: Rhode Island security deposit · Rhode Island eviction · Rhode Island entry notice · Rhode Island rent increase.
Repairs in nearby states: Connecticut (habitability protected) · Massachusetts (habitability protected).
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and vary by locality; consult a licensed attorney or your local housing authority.
Updated July 2026