Rhode Island Month-to-Month Lease Agreement

Last Updated: July 8, 2024 by Roberto Valenzuela

A Rhode Island month-to-month rental agreement is a contract (not necessarily in writing) which allows a tenant to rent property from a landlord, for one month at a time, in exchange for a fee (“rent”). The rental renews monthly, until either party gives proper notice to end it.

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For information about fixed-term leases in Rhode Island (i.e., a term of one year or more), click here.

Basics of a Rhode Island Month-to-Month Rental Agreement

In Rhode Island, a landlord and tenant create a month-to-month lease by agreeing to rent a property according to acceptable terms. Written rental agreements are clearer and legally stronger, but oral leases are legal in a month-to-month context.

Parties under a month-to-month lease enjoy full rights under Rhode Island landlord-tenant law. The tenant must use the property in a responsible way and pay rent on time. The landlord must keep essential features of the property in habitable condition, and protect the tenant’s quiet enjoyment of the lease.

The main difference between a month-to-month lease and a fixed-term lease is that month-to-month leases can be terminated (with proper notice) by either party for any reason without penalty. Landlords also can usually modify terms from one month to the next, again with proper notice.

Required Disclosures for Month-to-Month Rentals in Rhode Island

Rhode Island landlords may not rent a property out without making the following disclosures to a potential tenant, as relevant:

  • Landlord’s Name and Address – Landlords must give the tenant their name and address, or that of their authorized agent, to enable smooth communication of legal notice.
  • Comprehensive Fee Disclosure – Rhode Island leases must list all fees beyond the rent for which the tenant is responsible, including which utilities the tenant pays and whether the tenant must carry renters insurance.
  • Code Violation Notice – Rhode Island landlords must disclose any outstanding housing violations before executing a rental agreement.
  • Lead-Based Paint – Landlords must provide an EPA-approved disclosure and informational pamphlet to tenants renting any property built before 1978.

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The state page for fixed-term leases may have more detailed information on required disclosures.

Required Notice To End a Month-to-Month Rental in Rhode Island

Rhode Island lets both the landlord or tenant terminate a month-to-month lease with at least 30 days of advance notice. In general, any reason that isn’t landlord retaliation is a legal and valid grounds for ending a month-to-month lease.

Rhode Island requires written notice to end a month-to-month lease.

Required Notice To Raise the Rent on a Rhode Island Month-to-Month Lease

Rhode Island requires at least 60 days of advance notice before a rental increase, delivered in writing. This requirement increases to 120 days for tenants over the age of 62.

Eviction in Rhode Island Month-to-Month Rentals

Rhode Island tenants may face eviction for violating a month-to-month lease or remaining on the property after the notice period allowed by a valid termination. Evictions in Rhode Island typically take one to four months.

For more information on the eviction process in Rhode Island, click here.

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