Rhode Island Landlord Entry Notice Law
Rhode Island landlords must give at least 48 hours' notice before entering a rented home.
Last verified: · Researched and cited by MakeLease · not yet attorney-reviewed
Rhode Island landlord entry notice rules at a glance
| Notice before entry | 48 hours' noticeR.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-26 |
|---|---|
| Conditions | At least two days' notice, entry only at reasonable times; no notice in an emergency or where impracticable; may also enter without consent during an absence of more than 7 days if reasonably necessary to protect the propertyR.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-26 |
What Rhode Island law says
How much notice must a Rhode Island landlord give before entering a rental?
Give at least two days' notice of intent to enter and come only at reasonable times, except in an emergency or when notice is impracticable (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-26(b)-(c)).
How Rhode Island compares
7 other verified jurisdictions use 48 hours; 1 requires more.
None of Rhode Island's 2 neighbors follows the same rule.
| Notice before entry | States |
|---|---|
| 48 hours | Rhode Island |
| No fixed number of hours | Connecticut, Massachusetts |
Other Rhode Island rules
| Security deposit limit | 1 month's rent (with exceptions)R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(a), (e) |
|---|---|
| Deposit return deadline | 20 days after the triggering eventR.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(b) |
| Late-fee cap | No state capR.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-15(a)(1), (a)(5) (fees beyond rent must be disclosed with the rent; undisclosed fees recoverable), R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-13 (unconscionability), R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 34-18 (no section limits late fees) |
| Rent-increase notice | 60 days (Month-to-month tenants over 62: 120 days. Independent living, assisted living and congregate care facilities excluded)R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-16.1, P.L. 2024, ch. 243 (H 7304 Sub A), P.L. 2024, ch. 244 (S 2189 Sub A) |
| Notice for unpaid rent | 5 days (5-day demand notice (rent 15 days in arrears))R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-35, R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-56(a) |
| Month-to-month termination | 30 days (either side)R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-37 |