Title 34
Property

Chapter 18
Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-26

§ 34-18-26. Access.

(a) A tenant shall not unreasonably withhold consent to the landlord to enter into the dwelling unit in order to inspect the premises, make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations, or improvements, supply necessary or agreed services, or exhibit the dwelling unit to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workers, or contractors.

(b) A landlord may enter the dwelling unit without consent of the tenant in case of emergency, or, during any absence of the tenant in excess of seven (7) days, if reasonably necessary for the protection of the property.

(c) A landlord shall not abuse the right of access or use it to harass the tenant. Except in case of emergency or unless it is impracticable to do so, the landlord shall give the tenant at least two (2) days’ notice of his or her intent to enter and may enter only at reasonable times.

(d) A landlord has no other right of access except:

(1) Pursuant to court order;

(2) As permitted by § 34-18-39; or

(3) Unless the tenant has abandoned or surrendered the premises.

History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 200, § 2.