How can a lease be terminated under Rhode Island law?
A month-to- month tenancy, or any periodic tenancy for more than 1 month or less than 1 year, can be terminated by either party giving at least 30 days' prior written notice to the other party. A week-to-week tenancy can be terminated by least 10 days' prior written notice. A year-to-year tenancy can be terminated by at least 3 months' prior written notice.
A tenant who is 65 years or older can terminate a rental agreement in order to enter a residential care and assisted living facility, nursing home, or other private or public housing designated as housing for the elderly by giving written notice, with a termination date effective no earlier than 45 days after the first rental payment due date following delivery of the written notice.
On what grounds can a landlord evict a tenant under Rhode Island law?
A landlord can evict a tenant for several reasons, such as (i) non-payment of rent, (ii) noncompliance with the rental agreement, (iii) endangering the health or safety of the landlord or other tenants, (iv) damage to the premises, (v) holding over after termination or expiration of the tenancy. If after receiving proper notice, the tenant fails to cure the problem, the landlord can commence an eviction action in court against the tenant.
A landlord may not cut off utilities or necessary services, lock a tenant out or otherwise try to take possession of the premises by any means other than through the courts.
A landlord cannot increase rent, threaten eviction, cut off or reduce services as retaliation against a tenant for complaining to the landlord or to a government agency with respect to the condition of the premises, for organizing or joining a tenants' association, or otherwise availing him/herself of any other lawful rights and remedies.
The foregoing summary is provided for information purposes only and is not to be considered legal or business advice. The information may not be complete, accurate or applicable for any particular situation and should not be relied upon.
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