| Rent Increase Facts | Answer |
| Reason Needed? | No |
| Maximum Amount | None |
| Required Notice | 60 or 120 Days |
Does Rhode Island Have Rent Control Laws?
Rhode Island does not have rent control laws limiting the amount that landlords ask for rent. Although state law does not prohibit local governments from establishing rent control laws, some have made attempts, but none have been successful.
When Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Rhode Island?
Landlords in Rhode Island can raise the rent at any time, as long as they comply with the following:
- Wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease)
- Aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons
- Give proper notice according to the law (60 days for most tenancies, 120 days for month-to-month tenants over 62 years old)
60 days before the end of a year-long lease, a landlord sends a notice that rent will increase by $100 per month if they choose to renew the lease.
When Can’t a Landlord Raise Rent in Rhode Island?
Landlords in Rhode Island may not raise the rent if:
- It is during the middle of a lease’s fixed term (unless stated otherwise in the lease agreement).
- The increase is applied in a way that discriminates against one of the protected classes specified in the Fair Housing Act.
- It is done in response to a protected tenant action, such as filing a complaint. This is known as “retaliation.” An action by a landlord is considered retaliatory if it occurs within 6 months after something a tenant does.
In addition to the characteristics above, the Rhode Island Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing due to age, marital status, source of income, homelessness, military status, or status as a victim of domestic violence.
How Often Can Rent Be Increased in Rhode Island?
Landlords in Rhode Island can increase the rent as often as they choose as long as they provide sufficient notice each time.
How Much Notice is Needed to Raise Rent in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, landlords cannot raise the rent during a lease term and must give 60 days’ notice to increase the rent. However, if the tenant is over 62 years old and on a month-to-month lease, the landlord must give 120 days’ notice.
Landlords do not need to provide a reason for the rent increase on the notice letter. When the tenant receives the notice, they may choose to enter a new lease at a higher rate or move out.
How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, landlords can raise the rent by any amount that they wish. There is no legal limit or cap on the amount of a rent increase.
Sources
- 1 RI Gen L § 34-18-46
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In an action by or against the tenant, evidence of a complaint within six (6) months before the alleged act of retaliation creates a presumption that the landlord’s conduct was in retaliation.
Source Link - 2 R.I. Gen. Laws § 16.1(a) & (b)
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(a) Prior to an increase in rent being imposed by a landlord for a residential tenancy, excluding an independent living facility, assisted living facility, or congregate care facility, notice of the increase shall be given in writing to any tenant by a landlord at least sixty (60) days prior to the effective date of the increase.
(b) A landlord must of a residential tenancy, excluding an independent living facility, assisted living facility, or congregate care facility shall give at least one hundred twenty (120) days notice to month to month tenants over the age of sixty-two (62) years, before raising the rent.
Source Link
