Rhode Island Rent Increase Notice

What Rhode Island law says

• Handbook Section 6.2 (citing 34-18-16.1): notice of a rent increase must be given more than 60 days before the increase takes effect.
• For tenants over 62, the handbook says notice must be given 120 days in advance.
• In a fixed-term lease the landlord may not unilaterally impose an increase unless the lease provides for one.
• The handbook does not discuss rent control; default rent is fair market value unless the parties agree otherwise.

Steps for a landlord

• Check whether the tenancy is month-to-month or fixed term.
• Give written notice more than 60 days before the new rent starts.
• Use 120 days if the tenant is over 62.
• For fixed terms, rely on a lease clause or wait for renewal.

What to put in the notice

• The tenants' names and the rental address
• The current rent and the new rent
• The date the new rent starts, after the required notice period
• The date of the notice and how it was delivered
• Your name and signature

Things to watch

• The handbook does not mention a statewide rent cap or rent control.
• Check 34-18-16.1 or a local attorney for exact delivery requirements.
• Cities and counties can add their own rules, including rent control and extra notice requirements. Check your local rules too.

About this page

We checked this page against the official sources listed below in November 2026. Where an official page did not say something, we say so. Laws change and courts read them differently, so confirm the current rule with the statute, the court or a local attorney before you act. This is general information, not legal advice.