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Also see our new revised Rhode Island State page at
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The following excerpts and compilation from state law may not reflect some recent amendments.
The best source for current information are the links we provide to state government web sites.
REVIEW THE LAW IN RHODE ISLAND
34-18-10 Service of process for actions pursuant to chapter.
34-18-19 Security deposits.
34-18-35 Eviction for nonpayment of rent.
34-18-36 Eviction for noncompliance with rental agreement.
34-18-37 Termination of periodic tenancy.
34-18-38 Eviction for unlawfully holding over after termination or expiration of tenancy.
34-18-48 Execution.
34-18-49 Payment of rent on stay of execution.
34-18-50 Payment of moving costs required.
34-18-51 Issuance of execution on nonpayment of rent.
34-18-52 Payment of rent during pendency of appeal.
34-18-53 Dismissal of appeal for nonpayment of rent during pendency of appeals.
34-18-56 Notices and complaint forms.
34-18-10 Service of process for actions pursuant to chapter.
(a)
(1) In actions for nonpayment of rent, the summons for eviction for nonpayment of rent shall be in the form provided in 34-18-56(g). At the time of filing of the complaint, the clerk shall mark the date of hearing upon the summons, which shall be the ninth (9th) day after filing of the complaint, or the first court day following the ninth (9th) day. For the purposes of this section only, the time of filing of the complaint shall be the date upon which the clerk assigns a case number to the action and the filing fee is paid to the clerk. On the same day that the complaint is filed, the plaintiff's attorney or, if pro se, the plaintiff, or if more than one, the person filing the complaint shall mail a copy of the summons and complaint and a blank answer form as provided in 34-18-56(j) by first class mail, to the defendant, shall complete the proof of service on a copy of the original summons and file the completed proof of service in the appropriate court. The clerk shall note on the docket the mailing date of the summons and complaint, and shall complete the proof of service on the original summons. The plaintiff shall deliver the original summons and a copy thereof, together with a copy of the complaint and a blank answer form to the sheriff or any constable of the county in which the appropriate court is located. The officer receiving the copies shall serve them by: (i) Handing them to the defendant; or (ii) Serving them at the defendant's dwelling unit to a person of suitable age and discretion then residing therein; or (iii) If none be found, by posting them conspicuously on the door to defendant's dwelling unit.
(2) The sheriff or constable serving the summons and complaint shall make proof of service on the original summons and shall file it with the clerk of the appropriate court at or before the time of the hearing. The proof of service shall show the manner and the day, hour, and place of service, and shall show that the defendant was served no less than five (5) days before the hearing.
(b) In all actions pursuant to this chapter other than for nonpayment of rent, the procedure shall be as follows:
(1) The summons for eviction actions pursuant to 34-18-36 and 34-18-38 shall be in the form provided in 34-18-56(h). A blank answer, in the form provided in 34-18-56(j) shall be served together with this summons.
(2) The summons in all other actions pursuant to this chapter shall be in the form provided in 34-18-56(i). Service shall be made pursuant to Rule 4 of the district court civil rules, or other appropriate rule of court.
(c) If a landlord or tenant is not a resident of this state or is a corporation not authorized to do business in this state and engages in any conduct in this state governed by this chapter, or engages in a transaction subject to this chapter, he or she may designate an agent upon whom service of process may be made in this state. The agent shall be a resident of this state or a corporation authorized to do business in this state. The designation shall be in writing and filed with the secretary of state. If no designation is made and filed or if the process cannot be served in this state upon the designated agent, process may be served upon the secretary of state, but service upon the secretary of state is not effective unless the plaintiff or petitioner forthwith mails a copy of the process and pleading by registered or certified mail to the defendant or respondent at his or her last reasonably ascertainable address. An affidavit of compliance with this subsection shall be filed with the clerk of the court on or before the return day of the process, if any, or within any further time the court allows.
(d) If at time of hearing it appears that the clerk failed to provide mail service as required by subsection (a), or that the mailed service was undeliverable, service shall nevertheless be deemed complete if proof of service reflects that service was accomplished in accordance with subsection (a)(1) (i) or (ii) of this section. If mailed service was defective and the tenant was prejudiced by shorter notice of the hearing, the tenant may seek the benefits of 34-18-35(d) for late filing of discovery, if justice requires.
34-18-19 Security deposits.
(a) A landlord may not demand or receive a security deposit, however denominated, in an amount or value in excess of one month's periodic rent.
(b) Upon termination of the tenancy, the amount of security deposit due to the tenant shall be the entire amount given by the tenant as a security deposit, minus any amount of unpaid accrued rent and the amount of physical damages to the premises, other than ordinary wear and tear, which the landlord has suffered by reason of the tenant's noncompliance with 34-18-24, all as itemized by the landlord in a written notice delivered to the tenant. The landlord shall deliver the notice, together with the amount of the security deposit due to the tenant, within twenty (20) days after the later of either termination of the tenancy, delivery of possession, or the tenant's providing the landlord with a forwarding address for the purpose of receiving the security deposit.
(c) If the landlord fails to comply with subsection (b), the tenant may recover the amount due him or her, together with damages in an amount equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld, and reasonable attorney fees.
(d) This section does not preclude the landlord or tenant from recovering other damages to which he or she may be entitled under this chapter.
(e) In the event the landlord transfers his or her interest in the premises, the holder of the landlord's interest in the premises at the time of the termination of the tenancy is bound by this section.
(f) No rental agreement shall contain any waiver of the provisions of this section.
34-18-35 Eviction for nonpayment of rent.
(a) If any part of the stipulated rent is due and in arrears for fifteen (15) days, the landlord shall send a written notice, in a form substantially similar to that provided in 34-18-56(a), specifying the amount of the rent which is fifteen (15) days in arrears, making demand for the rent, and notifying the tenant that unless he or she cures the breach within five (5) days of the date of mailing of the notice, the rental agreement shall terminate, and the landlord shall commence an eviction action in the appropriate district court or housing court.
(b) If the tenant fails to cure his or her breach by paying the stipulated rent in arrears within five (5) days of the date of mailing of the notice, the landlord may commence an eviction action against the tenant, which shall be filed no earlier than the sixth (6th) day after mailing of the written demand notice. The action shall be commenced by filing a "Complaint for Eviction for Nonpayment of Rent" in the appropriate court in the form provided in 34-18-56(d).
(c) The summons for eviction for nonpayment of rent shall specify the date for hearing and be in the form provided in 34-18-56(g). The summons shall specify that the defendant may file and serve his or her answer prior to or at the time of hearing, and that if he or she fails to answer or appear at the hearing, he or she shall be defaulted.
(d) If the defendant files his or her answer and commences discovery prior to the hearing, and it appears, for good cause shown, that the defendant will not be able to conduct his or her defense without the benefit of discovery, the court may continue the hearing to allow a reasonable time for the completion of discovery. In the case of such a continuance, the court may, in its discretion, order interim rent, or other remedy, to be paid to preserve the status quo pending hearing. Except as provided in this chapter, the landlord may recover possession and actual damages. In cases where the tenant had received a demand notice pursuant to subsection (a) within the six (6) months immediately preceding the filing of the action, and the tenant's nonpayment was willful, the landlord may also recover a reasonable attorney's fee.
(e) The tenant shall have the right to cure his or her failure to pay rent by tendering the full amount of rent prior to commencement of suit. If the tenant has not received a notice pursuant to subsection (a) of this section within the six (6) months immediately preceding the filing of the action, the tenant shall have the right to cure his or her failure to pay rent after commencement of suit by tendering the full amount of rent in arrears, together with court costs, at the time of hearing.
34-18-36 Eviction for noncompliance with rental agreement.
(a) Except as provided in this chapter, if there is a material noncompliance by the tenant with the rental agreement or a noncompliance with 34-18-24 materially affecting health and safety, the landlord shall deliver a written demand notice to the tenant, in a form substantially similar to that provided in 34-18-56(b), specifying:
(1) The acts and/or omissions constituting the breach of the rental agreement or of 34-18-24;
(2) The acts, repairs, or payment of damages, which are necessary to remedy the breach; and
(3) That unless the breach is remedied within twenty (20) days of mailing of the notice the rental agreement shall terminate upon a specified date, which shall not be less than twenty-one (21) days after the mailing of the notice.
(b) Unless it is a violation of 34-18-24(8), (9), or (10), if the tenant adequately remedies the breach before the date specified in the notice, the rental agreement shall not terminate. If the breach is not remedied, the landlord may commence an eviction action, which shall be filed no earlier than the first day following the termination date specified in the written demand notice. The action shall be initiated by filing a "Complaint for Eviction for Reason Other Than for Nonpayment of Rent" in the appropriate court according to the form in 34-18-56(e).
(c) The summons shall be in the form provided in 34-18-56(h) and shall specify that the tenant has twenty (20) days from the date of service in which to file his or her answer to the complaint, and that if he or she fails to file his or her answer within that time, he or she will be defaulted. The matter may be assigned for hearing in accordance with the rules of procedure of the appropriate court.
(d) Except as provided in this chapter, the landlord may recover possession, actual damages and obtain injunctive relief for noncompliance by the tenant with the rental agreement or 34-18-24. If the tenant's noncompliance is willful, the landlord may recover reasonable attorney's fees.
(e) If substantially the same act or omission which constituted a prior noncompliance, of which good faith notice was given, recurs within six (6) months, the landlord may terminate the rental agreement upon at least twenty (20) days' written notice, specifying the breach and the date of termination of the rental agreement. No allowance of time to remedy noncompliance shall be required.
(f) If the tenant has violated 34-18-24(8), (9), or (10), or if the tenant (i) is a seasonal tenant occupying the premises pursuant to a written lease agreement which commences no earlier than May 1st of the occupation year and expires no later than October 15th of the occupation year, with no right of renewal or extension beyond the above dates; and (ii) has been charged with violating a municipal ordinance pertaining to legal occupancy or excessive noise or other disturbance of the peace, the landlord shall not be required to send a notice of noncompliance to the tenant and may immediately file a complaint for eviction in a form substantially similar to that provided in 34-18-56(e) and seek the relief set forth in subsection (d).
34-18-37 Termination of periodic tenancy.
(a) The landlord or the tenant may terminate a week-to-week tenancy by a written notice, in a form substantially similar to that provided in 34-18-56(c), delivered to the other at least ten (10) days before the termination date specified in the notice.
(b) The landlord or the tenant may terminate a month-to-month tenancy or any periodic tenancy for more than a month or less than a year by a written notice, in a form substantially similar to that provided in 34-18-56(c), delivered to the other at least thirty (30) days before the date specified in the notice.
(c) The landlord or tenant may terminate a year-to-year tenancy by written notice, in a form substantially similar to that provided in 34-18-56(c), delivered to the other at least three (3) months prior to the expiration of the occupation year.
34-18-38 Eviction for unlawfully holding over after termination or expiration of tenancy.
(a) If the tenant remains in possession without the landlord's consent after expiration of the term of the rental agreement or after the termination of a periodic tenancy, the landlord may commence an eviction action, which may be filed no earlier than the first day following the expiration or termination of the tenancy. The action shall be commenced by filing a "Complaint for Eviction for Reason Other Than for Nonpayment of Rent," which shall be filed in the appropriate court according to the form provided in 34-18-56(e).
(b) The summons shall be in the form provided in 34-18-56(h) and shall specify that the tenant has twenty (20) days from the date of service in which to file his or her answer to the complaint, and that if he or she fails to file his or her answer within that time, he or she will be defaulted. The matter may be assigned for hearing in accordance with the rules of procedure of the appropriate court.
(c) If the tenant's holdover is willful and not in good faith, the landlord may also recover, in addition to possession, an amount not more than three (3) months' periodic rent or threefold the actual damages sustained by him or her, whichever is greater, and reasonable attorney's fees. If the landlord consents to the tenant's occupancy, the parties may agree to a definite term. If no term is specified, the term shall be week-to-week if the tenant pays on a week-to-week basis, and in all other cases, month-to-month.
34-18-48 Execution.
If no appeal is claimed, and if the judgment has not been satisfied, execution shall be issued on the sixth (6th) day following judgment. Executions shall be issued only to the sheriff or constable of the county where the premises are situated and he or she shall execute the mandates therein contained within five (5) days of its issuance. If the sheriff or constable fails to execute the mandates within the prescribed time, the sheriff or constable shall appear before a justice of the court issuing the execution at the regular session of court next following five (5) days to show cause why the mandates of the execution have not been carried out. Every execution issued by any district court pursuant to this chapter shall not expire after the five (5) day period but shall continue in full force and effect for one year after the date thereof, and be returnable to the district court which issued it in accordance with the provisions of 9-25-21. All costs including reasonable moving costs incurred by the sheriff or constable in carrying out the mandates of the execution may be added to the execution by the clerk upon approval of the court upon presentment of evidence of the costs.
34-18-49 Payment of rent on stay of execution.
Whenever, in any action for the recovery of real property, the issuance of an execution, or the service of an execution, is stayed by order of the court or by the operation of law, the stay shall be conditioned upon the payment by tenant to the landlord of sums of money equal to the rent for the premises, which sums shall be paid at such times and in such amounts as rent would be due and payable were the action not then pending. The acceptance of these sums shall not constitute a waiver of the right of the landlord to obtain possession of the premises, nor shall the receipt thereof be deemed to reinstate the tenancy.
34-18-50 Payment of moving costs required.
Whenever the personal property of any tenant is removed from the premises the tenant occupies by mandate of an execution from the court of competent jurisdiction, the tenant shall pay the entire amount of the cost of moving the personal property and any prepaid storage charges to the sheriff, constable, or other person who lawfully caused the personal property to be so moved before the personal property can be released to the tenant by the person, firm, partnership, company, association, or corporation having lawful possession of the property. Further, the sheriff, constable, or other person who lawfully caused the personal property to be so moved shall prepare and deliver a release in writing stating that the costs of moving and any prepaid storage charges have been paid in full and authorizing the release of the personal property to the tenant. This amount shall be paid to the landlord as reimbursement for the costs of removing the personal property.
34-18-51 Issuance of execution on nonpayment of rent.
In the event that the tenant shall fail or refuse to pay all sums promptly when due in accordance with the provisions of 34-18-49, the court in which the judgment for possession was issued shall, on motion of the landlord and after hearing thereon, including satisfactory proof of such nonpayment, enter an order for the issuance of such execution and the prompt service thereof, and from this order there shall be no appeal.
34-18-52 Payment of rent during pendency of appeal.
Whenever an action for the recovery of real property is pending on appeal in the superior or supreme court, the tenant in the action shall pay to the landlord sums of money equal to the rent for the premises, which the sums shall be paid at such times and in such amounts as rent would be due and payable were the action not then pending. The acceptance of these sums shall not constitute a waiver of the right of the landlord to obtain possession of the premises, nor shall their receipt be deemed to reinstate the tenancy.
34-18-53 Dismissal of appeal for nonpayment of rent during pendency of appeals.
In the event that the tenant fails or refuses to pay all sums promptly when due, in accordance with the provisions of 34-18-52, the court in which the case is pending, shall, without any trial on the merits, on motion of the landlord, and after hearing thereon, including satisfactory proof of such nonpayment, enter an order for the entry of judgment and the issuance of the execution and the prompt service of that execution.
34-18-56 Notices and complaint forms.
(a) A notice in substantially the following language shall suffice for the purpose of giving a tenant a five (5) day demand for payment of rent prior to commencement of an eviction pursuant to 34-18-35:
FIVE-DAY DEMAND NOTICE FOR NONPAYMENT OF RENT R.I.G.L. 34-18-35 DATE
OF MAILING: =HR9
TO: __________________________
(tenant)
__________________________
__________________________
You are now more than fifteen days in arrears for some or all of the rent owed under your rental
agreement. State law requires that you be sent this Notice of arrearage.
Unless you make payment of all rent in arrears within five days of the date this notice was
mailed to you, an eviction action may be instituted in court against you. You can prevent the
eviction by paying all rent owing within five days of the mailing of this notice.
If you believe you have a legal reason for not paying this rent, you will be able to present that
defense at the eviction hearing. The rent in arrears as of the above date is $ ______________.
=rf
(signature)
=rf
=rf
(name and address of landlord/owner)
I certify that I placed in regular U.S. mail, first class postage prepaid, a copy of this Notice,
addressed to the tenant, on the ________ day of ________________________, 19______.
=rf =qr (landlord or owner signature)
(b) A notice in substantially the following language shall suffice for the purpose of giving a tenant a notice of noncompliance with the rental agreement pursuant to 34-18-36:
NOTICE OF NONCOMPLIANCE R.I.G.L. 34-18-36 DATE OF MAILING: =HR9
TO: __________________________
(tenant)
__________________________
__________________________
(address)
You are in breach of your rental agreement, or of your legal duties under R.I.G.L. 34-18-24,
because you:
=rf
=rf
=rf
(provide details)
To remedy this situation you must do the following within twenty days of the date of mailing of
this Notice:
=rf
=rf
=rf
If you do not remedy this situation within twenty days, your rental agreement will terminate
without further notice on __________ (date, which must be not less than twenty-one days from
the date of mailing of this Notice). (NOTE: Under the law you lose this right to remedy your
noncompliance if this is the second notice on the same subject within the past six months.) After
that date an eviction case may begin in court, and you may be served with a complaint. You will
have the right to a hearing and to present any defenses you believe you have.
=rf
(signature)
=rf
=rf
(name and address of landlord/owner)
I certify that I placed in regular U.S. mail, first class postage prepaid, a copy of this Notice,
addressed to the tenant, on the ________ day of ________________________, 19______.
=rf =qr (landlord or owner signature)
(c) A notice in substantially the following language shall suffice for the purpose of giving a tenant notice of termination of tenancy pursuant to 34-18-37:
NOTICE OF TERMINATION OF TENANCY R.I.G.L. 34-18-37 DATE OF MAILING:
=HR9
TO: __________________________
(tenant)
__________________________
__________________________
(address)
You are hereby directed to vacate and remove your property and personal possessions from the
premises located at =rf
=qr (address of premises)
and deliver control of the premises to the landlord/owner on the first day after the end of your
current rental period, namely ____________.
(insert date)
This notice is given for the purpose of terminating your tenancy. You must continue to pay rent
as it becomes due until the date indicated above. If you fail to pay that rent, a nonpayment
eviction action may be instituted against you.
If you fail to vacate the premises by the date specified, an eviction may be instituted against you
without further notice. If you believe you have a defense to this termination, you will be able to
raise that defense at the court hearing.
=rf
(signature)
=rf
=rf
(name and address of landlord/owner)
I certify that I placed in regular U.S. mail, first class postage prepaid, a copy of this Notice,
addressed to the tenant, on the ________ day of ________________________, 19______.
=rf
(landlord or owner signature)
(d) A complaint in substantially the following language shall suffice for the purpose of commencing an eviction action for nonpayment of rent pursuant to 34-18-35:
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS
______________________, Sc. =sr DISTRICT COURT
____________________________ ______________ DIVISION
PLAINTIFF DEFENDANT
______________________________ =rf
(Landlord's Name) =sr (Tenant's Name)
V
______________________________ =rf
______________________________ =rf
______________________________ =rf
(address) (address of rental premises)
COMPLAINT FOR EVICTION FOR NONPAYMENT OF RENT R.I.G.L. 34-18-35
1.
2.
(month)
3.
4.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff requests that this Court grant a judgment for possession of the
premises (eviction of the tenant) and for back rent in the amount of $ ________________, plus
costs.
=rf
(Name & address of landlord/owner
or attorney for landlord)
=rf
Date complaint
filed with clerk __________
(e) A complaint in substantially the following language shall suffice for the purpose of commencing an eviction action for noncompliance with the rental agreement pursuant to 34-18-36, or an eviction action for unlawfully holding over after expiration or termination of the tenancy pursuant to 34-18-38:
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS
____________________, Sc. =sr DISTRICT COURT
____________________________ ______________ DIVISION
PLAINTIFF DEFENDANT
______________________________ =rf
(Landlord's Name) =sr (Tenant's Name)
______________________________ V =rf
______________________________ =rf
(address) (address of rental premises)
COMPLAINT FOR EVICTION FOR REASON OTHER THAN NONPAYMENT OF RENT
R.I.G.L. 34-18-36 R.I.G.L. 34-18-38
1. Plaintiff Landlord(s) owns the rental premises listed above, in which the Defendant Tenant(s)
resides.
2. CHECK ONE:
____
____
____
3.
for =rf
=rf
=rf
=rf
(explain basis for money claim)
PLAINTIFF SEEKS COSTS AND FEES (IF APPLICABLE).
=rf
(Signature of Landlord/Owner
or Attorney)
=rf
Date complaint filed
with clerk __________
(f) A complaint in substantially the following language, or in similar language, shall be sufficient for use by landlords or by tenants to bring any claims or causes of action other than eviction actions:
NOT FOR EVICTION
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS
______________________, Sc. =sr DISTRICT COURT
______________________________ ______________ DIVISION
PLAINTIFF DEFENDANT
______________________________ =rf
(Name) =sr (Name)
V
______________________________ =rf
______________________________ =rf
______________________________ =rf
(address) (address of rental premises)
LANDLORD-TENANT COMPLAINT (NOT FOR USE IN EVICTIONS)
1.
(address of rental premises)
2. Defendant is the ____ Tenant ____ Landlord/Owner.
3.
=rf
=rf
=rf
(brief description of claim, attach extra sheet, if necessary)
4.
=rf
=rf
=rf
Date Complaint Filed =rf
With Clerk: __________ (Signature of plaintiff or plaintiff's attorney)
=rf
(address)
(g) The summons in an action for eviction for nonpayment of rent pursuant to 34-18-35 shall be in substantially the following form:
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND DISTRICT COURT =SR SUMMONS
EVICTION-NONPAYMENT OF RENT DIVISION COUNTY CIVIL ACTION-FILE NO.
ADDRESS OF COURT:
______________________________ =rf
______________________________ =rf
______________________________ =rf
(name & address of plaintiff (name & address of defendant- landlord) tenant)
TO THE TENANT: You are served with an eviction complaint for nonpayment of rent. If you
do nothing, you will lose by default and be evicted. If you claim any defense, you must complete
the enclosed ANSWER and file it with the Court Clerk at or before the hearing date. You should
also mail a copy to the landlord or the landlord's lawyer. Your hearing will be at 9:30 A.M. on the
hearing date, at the court address listed above. You should go to the hearing or you may lose by
default. If you think the case is "settled," you should still go to the hearing to make sure the
settlement is in the court record.
YOUR HEARING DATE IS: ________________________________.
(PROOF OF SERVICE)
=HR20
=US PROOF OF SERVICE=UE
I hereby certify that I served a copy of the Complaint and Summons & Answer upon the
defendant(s) by delivering or leaving said papers in the following manner:
______ to the defendant personally; or
______ at his or her dwelling unit or usual place of abode at the address listed below with a
person of suitable age then residing therein; or
______ if none be found, by posting conspicuously on the door to the defendant's dwelling unit.
ADDRESS OF DWELLING OR USUAL PLACE OF ABODE:
=rf
NAME OF PERSON OF SUITABLE AGE:
=rf
SERVICE DATE: =rf
DEPUTY SHERIFF/CONSTABLE: =rf
=rf
=US CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE=UE
I hereby certify that a copy of this Complaint and Summons was placed into regular U.S. Mail,
postage prepaid, on the ____________________ day of __________________, 19____,
addressed to defendant at the following address:
________________________________________________.
=rf
(Signature of ____________ Clerk)
(h) The summons in an action for eviction for noncompliance with the rental agreement pursuant to 34-18-36, or for unlawfully holding over after termination or expiration of tenancy pursuant to 34-18-38, shall be in substantially the following form:
=SC STATE OF RHODE ISLAND =SC DISTRICT COURT =SC SUMMONS =RC
EVICTION FOR REASON OTHER THAN NONPAYMENT OF RENT
DIVISION COUNTY =sr CIVIL ACTION-FILE NO.
____________________ __________________ =rf
ADDRESS OF COURT:
____________________________ =rf
V
____________________________ =rf
____________________________ =rf
(name & address of plaintiff(name & address of defendant- landlord) tenant)
TO THE TENANT: You are served with an eviction complaint for noncompliance with rental
agreement (R.I.G.L. 34-18-36), or for unlawfully holding over after termination or expiration of
tenancy (R.I.G.L. 34-18-38). If you do nothing, you will lose by default and be evicted. If you
claim any defense, you must complete the enclosed ANSWER and file it with the Court Clerk
within TWENTY (20) days after you are served with this summons and complaint. You should
also mail a copy of the ANSWER to the landlord or the landlord's lawyer. If you file the enclosed
ANSWER, then you will receive another written notice telling you when the hearing will be. If
you have any questions, you may consult a lawyer. If you think the case is "settled" you should
still file the enclosed ANSWER or be sure that the written settlement is in the file at the Clerk's
office.
(PROOF OF SERVICE)
=HR20
PROOF OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I served a copy of the Complaint, Summons, and Answer form upon the
defendant(s) by delivering or leaving said papers in the following
manner:
____
____
____
____
Address of dwelling or usual place of abode:
=rf
Name of person of suitable age or of agent:
=rf
Service Date: ____________________
Deputy Sheriff/Constable (circle one):
=rf
(signature)
(i) The summons in an action relating to any claims by tenants, or by landlords other than for eviction, shall be in substantially the following form:
=SC STATE OF RHODE ISLAND =SC DISTRICT COURT =SR SUMMONS
__________________ ____________ =rf
DIVISION COUNTY CIVIL ACTION-FILE NO.
______________________________ =rf
PLAINTIFF PLAINTIFF'S ATTORNEY
=rf
ADDRESS
________________ vs ____________
DEFENDANT
=rf
DEFENDANT'S ADDRESS
______________________________ =rf
TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANT:
You are hereby summoned and required to serve upon the plaintiff's attorney, whose name and
address appears above, an answer to the complaint which is herewith served upon you. Your
answer must be made within 20 days after service of this summons, excluding the date of service.
The original must be filed in writing with this court. If you fail to do so, judgment by default will
be taken against you for the relief demanded in the complaint.
______________________________ =rf
DATE CLERK
______________________________ =rf
SEAL OF THE DISTRICT COURT DATE RECEIVED
=rf
PROOF OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that on the date below I served a copy of this summons and a copy of the
complaint received herewith upon the above-named defendant by delivering or leaving said papers
in the following manner:
to the defendant personally.
to an agent named below authorized by appointment or by law to receive service of process.
Further notice as required by statute was given as noted on the reverse side.
=rf
Address of Dwelling or Usual Place of Abode
=rf
Name of Authorized Agent or Person of Suitable Age
______________________________ =rf
Date Deputy Sheriff/Constable
______________________________ =rf
=qr SERVICE FEE $ ________
(j) The blank answer served in eviction actions shall be in substantially the following form:
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS
______________________, Sc. =sr DISTRICT COURT
______________________________ ______________ DIVISION
PLAINTIFF DEFENDANT
______________________________ =rf
(Landlord's Name) =sr (Tenant's Name)
V
______________________________ =rf
______________________________ =rf
(address) (address of rental premises)
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE DEFENDANT
Listed below are several possible defenses to the eviction action your landlord has filed against
you. If one or more of these defenses apply to your case, check the appropriate box(es). If space
is provided, write in facts in support of that defense. Use additional paper if necessary. Some of
these defenses are technical, and there may be others not listed here. You may consult a lawyer
and seek representation before filling out this Answer.
=US TENANT'S ANSWER=UE
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WHEREFORE: Because of the defense(s) indicated above, I ask the court to grant a judgment
in my favor and not order me to be evicted.
=US COUNTERCLAIM=UE
Instructions: If you believe you are entitled to be awarded damages or money for any reason
from your landlord, you may fill out the statement below:
I hereby sue my landlord for the amount of $ ______________.
I believe I am entitled to receive an award of this amount because
=rf
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Name of Defendant (or attorney) Signature of Defendant
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Address
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Telephone number |