Rhode Island landlord repair timeline
How long does a landlord in Rhode Island have to repair?
The clock most states set starts at the tenant’s written notice. Here is what the statute says, with the official source. It is general information, not legal advice.
- What it sets
- Repair and deduct for repairs costing under $500 in total a year if the landlord doesn’t comply within 20 days of written notice
- Statute
- Gen. Laws 34-18-22 and 34-18-30
- Official source
- Rhode Island General Laws 34-18-30
Not an emergency service. For a fire, a gas leak or anyone in danger, call 911 or the gas utility.
What Rhode Island law says, line by line
Each line restates the text it cites. Check the current version before you rely on it.
Repair and deduct covers repairs costing less than $500 in total per year.
Gen. Laws 34-18-30(a)The landlord has 20 days after written notice to comply, or to show ongoing good-faith efforts.
Gen. Laws 34-18-30(a)(2)In an emergency, the tenant may act if the landlord can’t be reached or doesn’t comply as promptly as conditions require.
Gen. Laws 34-18-30(a)(2)The tenant gives the landlord an itemized statement, and can’t repair at the landlord’s expense a condition they caused.
Gen. Laws 34-18-30(a)(3), (b)
Checked October 21, 2026
Turn the statute into your own response times
City rules and your leases can be stricter than the state. Write your times as the strictest of the three.
- Count from when the tenant told you, because many deadlines start at notice
- Put heat, water, power and anything dangerous at the top, day or night
- Ask for notice in writing, and reply in writing, so the record exists if anyone asks
- Record every step with a time: the first reply, the booking, the visit and the confirmation
A question managers ask about Rhode Island
Under 34-18-30, if the landlord can’t be reached in an emergency, the tenant may have the repair done in a skilled manner and deduct it, within the $500 yearly limit. A reachable on-call line matters here.
Managing in another state? Pick it hereThe same leak can have a different clock across a state line.
The clock starts at the tenant’s notice Ours answers at any hour