AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL TENANT'S RIGHT TO LEGAL REPRESENTATION ACT (Creates the division of civil representation within the department of housing and require civil representation by a Designated Legal Organization to provide legal representation to all tenants who qualify in eviction proceedings.)

S2972

2026 -- S 2972
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LC003395
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
____________
A N A C T
RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL TENANT'S RIGHT TO LEGAL
REPRESENTATION ACT

Introduced By:
Senators Mack, Kallman, DiMario, Bissaillon, Murray, and Gu

Date Introduced:
March 04, 2026

Referred To:
Senate Judiciary
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
1
SECTION 1. Legislative findings.
2
The general assembly hereby finds and declares that:
3
(1) Eviction proceedings have a profoundly disparate impact on low- to moderate-income
4
individuals. A recent study has shown that half of United States citizens are cost burdened by the
5
skyrocketing rents and increased risk to homelessness and given this disparate impact, it is
6
imperative that these individuals be provided legal representation in legal proceedings that put their
7
housing at risk.
8
(2) There is a fundamental human right to adequate housing accommodations. Safe, secure,
9
and accessible housing is essential to achieving equal access to all other fundamental needs.
10
Without housing, individuals and families too often cannot preserve family integrity, gain
11
employment or other income, or enjoy access to healthcare, proper nutrition, and education.
12
(3) Eviction proceedings and displacement as a result of evictions have a disparate impact
13
on low- to moderate-income individuals and particularly on low- to moderate-income people of
14
color, who are disproportionately the respondents in eviction proceedings.
15
(4) Representation of people who are at risk of losing their homes in legal proceedings
16
preserves access to housing and ensures compliance with laws protecting people's rights in such
17
proceedings. Abrupt, unwarranted, or unlawful evictions disrupt lives and livelihoods, force people
18
to find housing in a market with a severe shortage of affordable housing and often significantly

1
increases the risk of homelessness. The short- and long-term effects of housing instability are
2
devastating to individuals and families and can affect physical and mental health, employment and
3
education.
4
(5) Providing a right to legal representation to individuals who are most at risk of housing
5
instability not only protects individuals and families from these devastating effects, but also saves
6
public funds that would otherwise be spent on shelters and services to people experiencing
7
homelessness as well as the wide range of detrimental short- and long-term collateral consequences
8
of housing instability.
9
SECTION 2. Title 34 of the General Laws entitled "PROPERTY" is hereby amended by
10
adding thereto the following chapter:
11
CHAPTER 18.3
12
RESIDENTIAL TENANT'S RIGHT TO LEGAL REPRESENTATION ACT
13

34-18.3-1. Short title.

14

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Residential Tenant's Right to Legal
15
Representation Act".
16

34-18.3-2. Definitions.

17

As used in this chapter, the following words and terms shall have the following meanings
18
unless the context clearly indicates another or different meaning or intent:
19

(1) "Covered proceeding" means any action that triggers the right to representation under
20
this chapter, including, but not limited to, a five (5) day demand notice, a termination of tenancy
21
notice, a notice of noncompliance, a court summons, an eviction action, an administrative hearing
22
with a publicly subsidized source of housing, or an action for unsafe or unhealthy conditions and/or
23
pursuant to § 34-18-31.
24

(2) "Designated community organization" means a not-for-profit organization or
25
association having nonprofit status under §501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code
26
that has the capacity to provide education in a program established under § 34-18.3-6. To the extent
27
practicable, such designated community organization shall maintain a practice of furnishing free
28
services; possess expertise and experience in community education and organizing, and ties to the
29
communities they serve; demonstrate expertise in recognizing and responding to the housing issues
30
facing low-income residents of the state; possess adequate expertise to provide consistent, high
31
quality supervision, oversight, training, evaluation, and strategic response to emerging or changing
32
needs in the communities served; and maintain reasonable workloads and working conditions for
33
their staff.
34

(3) "Designated legal organization" means a not-for-profit (charitable) organization or

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association having tax deductible for contributions status under §501(c)(3) of the United States
2
Internal Revenue Code that has the capacity to provide comprehensive and effective legal services
3
for the program established under this chapter. To the extent practicable, such designated legal
4
organizations shall be organizations that maintain a practice of furnishing free or reduced cost legal
5
services to individuals; possess expertise in the areas of law for covered actions; have a
6
demonstrated history or practice with regard to the legal issues facing low-income residents of the
7
state; provide consistent, high quality supervision, oversight, training, evaluation, and strategic
8
response to emerging or changing needs in the communities served; and maintain reasonable
9
workloads and working conditions for their staff.
10

(4) "Director" means the director of the division of civil representation.
11

(5) "Division" means the division of civil representation.
12

(6) "Eligible individual" means an individual who is at risk of losing their housing
13
accommodation in an action for eviction or an administrative proceeding with a publicly subsidized
14
source of housing, and/or an individual seeking restoration or maintenance of essential services as
15
defined by §34-18-31, and/or is facing unsafe or unhealthy conditions in their rented home that
16
require court intervention to remedy. An individual becomes eligible when that individual:
17

(i) Becomes the subject of an eviction notice including a five (5) day demand notice, or a
18
termination of tenancy notice, or a notice of noncompliance, or a court summons;
19

(ii) Is a party in an eviction action;
20

(iii) Is a party in an administrative hearing with a publicly subsidized source of housing; or
21

(iv) Is a party to an action for unsafe or unhealthy conditions and/or pursuant to § 34-18-
22
31.
23

(7) "Eviction" means any action to evict an individual or otherwise terminate a tenancy, or
24
any other action that is likely to result in an individual losing their housing accommodation,
25
including any proceeding to terminate a housing subsidy, or an action brought by an eligible
26
individual based on the landlord's failure to maintain the premises in a fit and habitable condition,
27
or in response to an unlawful eviction, or in response to the unlawful actions of a landlord, as well
28
as any appeals from any such proceedings.
29

(8) "Housing accommodation" or "residence" means that part of any building or structure
30
or any part thereof, permanent or temporary, occupied or intended, arranged or designed to be used
31
or occupied, by one or more individuals as a home, dwelling unit or apartment, sleeping place,
32
boarding house, lodging house or hotel, and all essential services, privileges, furnishings, furniture
33
and facilities supplied in connection with its occupation.
34

(9) "Legal representation" means ongoing legal representation provided by a designated

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legal organization to eligible individuals and the provision of legal advice, advocacy, and
2
assistance, including, but not be limited to: filing a notice of appearance, filing and preparation of
3
pleadings and motions on behalf of eligible individuals, court appearances on behalf of eligible
4
individuals, pre- and post-trial settlement conferences, and any other activities needed to provide
5
legal representation in a "covered proceeding."
6

(10) "Office" means the office of the department of housing.
7

34-18.3-3. Right to legal representation in eviction proceedings.

8

The civil right to full legal representation for eligible individuals in an eviction action is
9
hereby created.
10

34-18.3-4. Division of civil representation.

11

There is hereby established, in the department of housing, the division of civil
12
representation to create and implement a program to provide legal representation pursuant to § 34-
13
18.3-5. The division shall be headed by a director who shall be appointed by the governor, and shall
14
be subject to the advice and consent of the senate.
15

34-18.3-5. Powers and duties of the division of civil representation.

16

The director shall have the power and duty to:
17

(1) Establish a program to provide legal representation including entering into contracts
18
and agreements as may be necessary, in accordance with § 34-18.3-6;
19

(2) Prepare and submit to the governor, president of the senate, and speaker of the house
20
an annual financial audit of the program's activities, prepared by a certified public accountant
21
licensed in the state and carried out in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards; and
22
an annual report regarding the program created under § 34-18.3-6. Such report shall include, but
23
not be limited to, the following information regarding all individuals requesting services and all
24
individuals provided services, disaggregated by municipality; provided, however, that the
25
information shall not be required for every case where the individual refuses to provide the
26
information or the information is not reasonably ascertainable:
27

(i) The total number of people provided legal representation and the total number of people
28
requesting but not provided legal representation and the reasons why representation was not
29
provided;
30

(ii) The outcomes of the cases where legal representation was provided;
31

(iii) Gender, race, ethnicity, and age;
32

(iv) Postal code of residence;
33

(v) Household size;
34

(vi) Estimated length of tenancy;

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(vii) Approximate household income;
2

(viii) Receipt of ongoing public assistance at the time such legal services were initiated;
3

(ix) Tenancy in housing operated by or subsidized through a federal, state or local rental
4
subsidy program;
5

(x) Legal services provided by type of legal issue;
6

(xi) Outcomes immediately following the provision of full legal representation, as
7
applicable and available, including, but not limited to, the number of:
8

(A) Judgments and stipulated agreements allowing individuals to remain in their residence;
9

(B) Judgments and stipulated agreements requiring individuals to be displaced from their
10
residence; and
11

(C) Instances where an attorney representing an income-eligible individual was discharged
12
or withdrew;
13

(xii) A list of landlords involved in eviction proceedings;
14

(xiii) Residential evictions conducted by sheriffs, disaggregated by municipality;
15

(xiv) A list of designated community organizations, the community in which such
16
organizations provide services, and the amount of funding provided to each;
17

(xv) The number of buildings in which outreach was conducted, the number of workshops
18
offered, the number of attendees at such workshops, the number of people referred to nonprofits
19
having status under § 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code, and the number of
20
trainings offered; and
21

(xvi) An evaluation of implementation challenges and recommendations for any future
22
programmatic improvements.
23

(3) Provide an annual estimate for the funding necessary for the operation of the program
24
created under § 34-18.3-6;
25

(4) Coordinate with other programs providing legal representation to ensure efficiency of
26
functions and to prevent duplication of work;
27

(5) Create a program providing outreach and education through designated community
28
organizations to spread awareness of the availability of legal representation. With the support of
29
the director and adequate funding, designated community organizations shall be responsible for
30
engaging and educating tenants of their rights in eviction proceedings, including, but not limited
31
to:
32

(i) Hosting trainings and other workshops for tenants;
33

(ii) Distributing written information to tenants;
34

(iii) Assisting tenants in forming and maintaining tenant associations; and

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(iv) Referring tenants to designated legal organization and other activities to engage,
2
educate, or inform tenants of their rights in eviction proceedings. Engagement and education shall
3
be provided in diverse languages;
4

(6) Create and make available resources for individuals with regard to their rights in civil
5
legal matters regarding housing accommodations in the languages required by law and such
6
additional languages as may be necessary; and
7

(7) Promulgate any rules, regulations, and guidance necessary for the implementation of
8
the provisions of this chapter.
9

34-18.3-6. Provision of legal representation and community education.

10

In accordance with this chapter, the division shall develop programs to guarantee and
11
deliver:
12

(1) Legal representation to eligible individuals in covered proceedings throughout the state;
13
and
14

(2) Community outreach and education through one or more designated community
15
organizations regarding the programs created by this chapter.
16

(b) In creating the programs under subsection (a) of this section, the director shall consult
17
with the following:
18

(1) Tenants or representatives of tenants, and community groups representing low-income
19
or other at-risk members of the community;
20

(2) Legal and community-based organizations;
21

(3) Representatives of the judiciary;
22

(4) Representatives of a municipality operating or funding a program providing legal
23
representation, legal consultation, or community education and outreach or representatives of the
24
organizations involved in such programs; and
25

(5) Any other organizations or individuals as may be necessary as determined by the
26
director.
27

(c) The division shall post on its website information regarding the programs created under
28
this section including how individuals may find services available in their community.
29

(d) The division shall hold one or more hearings or listening sessions in each municipality
30
of the state on an annual basis to evaluate the programs created pursuant to this section and to
31
incorporate any necessary changes to such programs.
32

(e) The division is responsible for creating an informational pamphlet in both English and
33
other languages as required by law and regulation which describes the legal rights of tenants and
34
the right to legal representation established within this bill, and provides information on resources

LC003395 - Page 6 of 20
1
available to tenants.
2

(f) A sheriff or constable shall provide a copy of the pamphlet described under subsection
3
(e) of this section in addition to the process served on a tenant, an assignee, or a subtenant in all
4
covered proceedings.
5

34-18.3-7. Lease provisions.

6

Any lease or contract for rental of residential property shall provide notice of the tenant's
7
right to legal representation pursuant to this chapter. Lease provisions waiving the right to legal
8
representation or otherwise limiting the tenant's right to obtain legal representation shall be void
9
and unenforceable.
10

34-18.3-8. Severability.

11

If any clause, sentence, paragraph, section, or part of this chapter or its application to any
12
individual or circumstance, is, for any reason, adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction to be
13
invalid, that judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder of this chapter or its
14
application to other individuals or circumstances; provided, however, that judgment shall be
15
confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, section, or part directly involved in the
16
controversy in which that judgment shall have been rendered.
17
SECTION 3. Section 34-18-56 of the General Laws in Chapter 34-18 entitled "Residential
18
Landlord and Tenant Act" is hereby amended to read as follows:
19

34-18-56. Notices and complaint forms.
20
(a) A notice in substantially the following language shall suffice for the purpose of giving
21
a tenant a five (5) day demand for payment of rent prior to commencement of an eviction pursuant
22
to § 34-18-35:
23
FIVE-DAY DEMAND NOTICE FOR NONPAYMENT OF RENT
24
R.I.G.L. 34-18-35
25
Date of Mailing: _____________________
26
TO: __________________________
27
(tenant)
28
_____________________________
29
_____________________________
30
You are now more than fifteen days in arrears for some or all of the rent owed under your
31
rental agreement. State law requires that you be sent this Notice of arrearage.
32
Unless you make payment of all rent in arrears within five days of the date this notice was
33
mailed to you, an eviction action may be instituted in court against you. You can prevent the

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eviction by paying all rent owing within five days of the mailing of this notice.
2
If you believe you have a legal reason for not paying this rent, you will be able to present
3
that defense at the eviction hearing.
You may be entitled to legal representation through a
4
designated legal organization. Contact the Rhode Island Department of Housing, Division of Civil
5
Representation.
The rent in arrears as of the above date is $_____________.
6
__________________________________
7
(signature)
8
__________________________________
9
__________________________________
10
(name and address of land-lord/owner)
11
I certify that I placed in regular U.S. mail, first class postage prepaid, a copy of this Notice,
12
addressed to the tenant, on the ________ day of ________________________, 20______.
13
__________________________________
14
(landlord or owner signature)
15
(b) A notice in substantially the following language shall suffice for the purpose of giving
16
a tenant a notice of noncompliance with the rental agreement pursuant to § 34-18-36:
17
NOTICE OF NONCOMPLIANCE
18
R.I.G.L. 34-18-36
19
Date of Mailing: ____________________
20
TO: __________________________
21
(tenant)
22
_____________________________
23
_____________________________
24
(address)
25
You are in breach of your rental agreement, or of your legal duties under R.I.G.L. 34-18-
26
24, because you:
27

28

29

30
(provide details)
31
To remedy this situation you must do the following within twenty days of the date of
32
mailing of this Notice:
33

34

LC003395 - Page 8 of 20
1

2
If you do not remedy this situation within twenty days, your rental agreement will terminate
3
without further notice on __________ (date, which must be not less than twenty-one days from the
4
date of mailing of this Notice). (NOTE: Under the law you lose this right to remedy your
5
noncompliance if this is the second notice on the same subject within the past six months.) After
6
that date an eviction case may begin in court, and you may be served with a complaint. You will
7
have the right to a hearing and to present any defenses you believe you have.
You may be entitled
8
to legal representation through a designated legal organization. Contact the Rhode Island
9
Department of Housing, Division of Civil Representation.
10
__________________________________
11
(signature)
12
__________________________________
13
__________________________________
14
(name and address of land-lord/owner)
15
I certify that I placed in regular U.S. mail, first class postage prepaid, a copy of this Notice,
16
addressed to the tenant, on the ________ day of ________________________, 20______.
17
__________________________________
18
(landlord or owner signature)
19
(c) A notice in substantially the following language shall suffice for the purpose of giving
20
a tenant notice of termination of tenancy pursuant to § 34-18-37:
21
NOTICE OF TERMINATION OF TENANCY
22
R.I.G.L. 34-18-37
23
Date of Mailing: _______________________
24
TO: _________________________
25
(tenant)
26
_____________________________
27
_____________________________
28
(address)
29
You are hereby directed to vacate and remove your property and personal possessions from
30
the premises located at __________________________________ and deliver control of the
31
premises to the
32
(address of premises)
33
landlord/owner on the first day after the end of your current rental period, namely
34
____________________.

LC003395 - Page 9 of 20
1
(insert date)
2
This notice is given for the purpose of terminating your tenancy. You must continue to pay
3
rent as it becomes due until the date indicated above. If you fail to pay that rent, a nonpayment
4
eviction action may be instituted against you.
5
If you fail to vacate the premises by the date specified, an eviction may be instituted against
6
you without further notice. If you believe you have a defense to this termination, you will be able
7
to raise that defense at the court hearing.
You may be entitled to legal representation through a
8
designated legal organization. Contact the Rhode Island Department of Housing, Division of Civil
9
Representation.
10
__________________________________
11
(signature)
12
__________________________________
13
__________________________________
14
(name and address of land-lord/owner)
15
I certify that I placed in regular U.S. mail, first class postage prepaid, a copy of this Notice,
16
addressed to the tenant, on the ________ day of ________________________, 20______.
17
__________________________________
18
(landlord or owner signature)
19
(d) A complaint in substantially the following language shall suffice for the purpose of
20
commencing an eviction action for nonpayment of rent pursuant to § 34-18-35:
21
State of Rhode Island
22
_______________________, Sc. DISTRICT COURT
23
____________________________ _____________DIVISION
24
PLAINTIFF DEFENDANT
25
____________________________ __________________________________
26
(Landlord's Name) (Tenant's Name)
27
V
28
__________________________________ __________________________________
29
__________________________________ __________________________________
30
__________________________________ __________________________________
31
(address) (address of rental premises)
32
COMPLAINT FOR EVICTION
33
FOR NONPAYMENT OF RENT
34
R.I.G.L. 34-18-35

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1. Plaintiff is the owner/landlord of the rental premises listed above, in which the Defendant
2
Tenant currently resides.
3
2. Defendant is more than fifteen days in arrears in rental payments due to the plaintiff from
4
the defendant. The rent is $__________ per __________, and the amount in arrears is $________
5
as of the __________ day of __________, 20____.
6
(month)
7
3. Plaintiff has served the five-day demand notice as required by law, and a copy of that
8
notice is attached to this complaint. The notice was mailed to the defendant on the __________ day
9
of ________, 20____.
10
4. Defendant has not paid the rent in arrears or offered the full amount in arrears, either
11
before or after the demand notice. Defendant remains in possession of the rental premises.
12
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff requests that this Court grant a judgment for possession of the
13
premises (eviction of the tenant) and for back rent in the amount of $______________, plus costs.
14
__________________________________
15
(Name & address of landlord/owner
16
or attorney for landlord)
17
__________________________________
18
Date complaint filed with clerk __________________
19
(e) A complaint in substantially the following language shall suffice for the purpose of
20
commencing an eviction action for noncompliance with the rental agreement pursuant to § 34-18-
21
36, or an eviction action for unlawfully holding over after expiration or termination of the tenancy
22
pursuant to § 34-18-38:
23
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
24
_______________________, Sc. DISTRICT COURT
25
____________________________ _____________ DIVISION
26
PLAINTIFF DEFENDANT
27
____________________________ __________________________________
28
(Landlord's Name) (Tenant's Name)
29
V
30
__________________________________ __________________________________
31
__________________________________ __________________________________
32
(address) (address of rental premises)
33
COMPLAINT FOR EVICTION
34
FOR REASON OTHER THAN

LC003395 - Page 11 of 20
1
NONPAYMENT OF RENT
2
R.I.G.L. 34-18-36
3
R.I.G.L. 34-18-38
4
1. Plaintiff Landlord(s) owns the rental premises listed above, in which the Defendant
5
Tenant(s) resides.
6
2. CHECK ONE:
7
____ Defendant breached the tenant's obligations under the rental agreement or § 34-18-
8
24 as set forth in the attached copy of the notice of noncompliance which was mailed to the
9
defendant. Defendant has not cured or remedied the breach. (Plaintiff must attach copy of required
10
notice of noncompliance.)
11
____ Defendant has remained in possession of the rented premises following the period set
12
forth in the attached notice of termination of tenancy which was mailed to defendant. (Plaintiff
13
must attach copy of required termination notice.)
14
____ Defendant breached the tenants' obligations under § 34-18-24(8), (9) or (10).
15
3. Plaintiff seeks judgment for possession of the premises plus judgment in the amount of
16

17
for
18

19

20

21
(explain basis for money claim)
22
Plaintiff seeks costs and fees (if applicable).
23
__________________________________
24
(Signature of Landlord/Owner or
25
Attorney)
26
__________________________________
27
Date complaint filed with clerk __________
28
(f) A complaint in substantially the following language, or in similar language, shall be
29
sufficient for use by landlords or by tenants to bring any claims or causes of action other than
30
eviction actions:
31
NOT FOR EVICTION
32
State of Rhode Island
33
_______________________, Sc. DISTRICT COURT
34
____________________________ DIVISION_____________

LC003395 - Page 12 of 20
1
PLAINTIFF DEFENDANT
2
____________________________ __________________________________
3
(Name) (Name)
4
V
5
__________________________________ __________________________________
6
__________________________________ __________________________________
7
__________________________________ __________________________________
8
(address) (address of rental premises)
9
LANDLORD-TENANT COMPLAINT
10
(NOT FOR USE IN EVICTIONS)
11
1. Plaintiff is the ____ Tenant ____ Landlord/Owner of the rental premises
12
at.
13
(address of rental premises)
14
2. Defendant is the ____ Tenant ____ Landlord/Owner.
15
3. Plaintiff claims that defendant has breached the obligations of the rental agreement or
16
law in relation to this landlord-tenant relationship, as follows:
17

18

19

20
(brief description of claim, attach extra sheet, if necessary)
21
4. Plaintiff seeks the following judgment or relief from the Court:
22

23

24

25
Date Complaint Filed __________________________________
26
With Clerk: __________ (Signature of plaintiff or plaintiff's
27
attorney)
28
__________________________________
29
(address)
30
(g) The summons in an action for eviction for nonpayment of rent pursuant to § 34-18-35
31
shall be in substantially the following form:
32
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
33
DISTRICT COURT SUMMONS
34
EVICTION-NONPAYMENT OF RENT

LC003395 - Page 13 of 20
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DIVISION COUNTY CIVIL ACTION-FILE NO.
2
Address of Court:
3
__________________________________ __________________________________
4
__________________________________ __________________________________
5
__________________________________ __________________________________
6
(name & address of plaintiff landlord) (name & address of defendant-tenant)
7
TO THE TENANT: You are served with an eviction complaint for nonpayment of rent. If
8
you do nothing, you will lose by default and be evicted. If you claim any defense, you must
9
complete the enclosed ANSWER and file it with the Court Clerk at or before the hearing date. You
10
should also mail a copy to the landlord or the landlord's lawyer. Your hearing will be at 9:30 A.M.
11
on the hearing date, at the court address listed above. You should go to the hearing or you may lose
12
by default. If you think the case is "settled," you should still go to the hearing to make sure the
13
settlement is in the court record.
You may be entitled to legal representation through a designated
14
legal organization. Contact the Rhode Island Department of Housing, Division of Civil
15
Representation.
16
YOUR HEARING DATE IS: ________________________________.
17
(Proof of Service on next page)
18
________________________________________
19
PROOF OF SERVICE
20
I hereby certify that I served a copy of the Complaint and Summons & Answer upon the
21
defendant(s) by delivering or leaving said papers in the following manner:
22
______ to the defendant personally; or
23
______ at his or her dwelling unit or usual place of abode at the
24
address listed below with a person of suitable age then residing
25
therein; or
26
______ if none be found, by posting conspicuously on the door
27
to the defendant's dwelling unit.
28
ADDRESS OF DWELLING OR USUAL PLACE OF ABODE:
29

30

31
NAME OF PERSON OF SUITABLE AGE:
32

33

34
SERVICE DATE:

LC003395 - Page 14 of 20
1

2
DEPUTY SHERIFF/CONSTABLE:
3

4

5
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
6
I hereby certify that a copy of this Complaint and Summons was placed into regular U.S.
7
Mail, postage prepaid, on the __________________ day of ________________, 20____, addressed
8
to defendant at the following address:
9
________________________________________________.
10
__________________________________
11
(Signature of ____________ Clerk)
12
(h) The summons in an action for eviction for noncompliance with the rental agreement
13
pursuant to § 34-18-36, or for unlawfully holding over after termination or expiration of tenancy
14
pursuant to § 34-18-38, shall be in substantially the following form:
15
State of Rhode Island
16
District Court
17
Summons
18
EVICTION FOR REASON OTHER THAN NONPAYMENT OF RENT
19
DIVISION COUNTY CIVIL ACTION-
20
FILE NO
.
21
Address of Court:
22
__________________________________ __________________________________
23
V
24
__________________________________ __________________________________
25
__________________________________ __________________________________
26
(name & address of plaintiff landlord) (name & address of defendant- tenant)
27
TO THE TENANT: You are served with an eviction complaint for noncompliance with
28
rental agreement (R.I.G.L. 34-18-36), or for unlawfully holding over after termination or expiration
29
of tenancy (R.I.G.L. 34-18-38). If you do nothing, you will lose by default and be evicted. If you
30
claim any defense, you must complete the enclosed ANSWER and file it with the Court Clerk
31
within TWENTY (20) days after you are served with this summons and complaint. You should also
32
mail a copy of the ANSWER to the landlord or the landlord's lawyer. If you file the enclosed
33
ANSWER, then you will receive another written notice telling you when the hearing will be. If you
34
have any questions, you may consult a lawyer. If you think the case is "settled" you should still file

LC003395 - Page 15 of 20
1
the enclosed ANSWER or be sure that the written settlement is in the file at the Clerk's office.
You
2
may be entitled to legal representation through a designated legal organization. Contact the Rhode
3
Island Department of Housing, Division of Civil Representation.
4
(Proof of Service on next page)
5
________________________________________
6
PROOF OF SERVICE
7
I hereby certify that I served a copy of the Complaint, Summons, and Answer form upon
8
the defendant(s) by delivering or leaving said papers in the following manner:
9
____ to the defendant personally
10
____ at his/her dwelling unit or usual place of abode at the address listed below, with a
11
person of suitable age then residing therein
12
____ to an agent named below authorized by appointment or by law to receive service of
13
process
14
____ further notice as required by law was given as noted below
15
Address of dwelling or usual place of abode:
16

17
Name of person of suitable age or of agent:
18

19
Service Date: ____________________
20
Deputy Sheriff/Constable (circle one):
21
__________________________________
22
(signature)
23
(i) The summons in an action relating to any claims by tenants, or by landlords other than
24
for eviction, shall be in substantially the following form:
25
State of Rhode Island
26
District Court Summons
27
_____________________________________________________
28
DIVISION COUNTY CIVIL ACTION-FILE NO.
29
_____________________________ _____________________________
30
PLAINTIFF PLAINTIFF'S ATTORNEY
31
__________________________
32
________
33
ADDRESS
34
_________________
vs

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1
DEFENDANT
2
__________________________________
3
DEFENDANT'S ADDRESS
4
______________________________ __________________________________
5
TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANT:
6
You are hereby summoned and required to serve upon the plaintiff's attorney, whose name
7
and address appears above, an answer to the complaint which is herewith served upon you. Your
8
answer must be made within 20 days after service of this summons, excluding the date of service.
9
The original must be filed in writing with this court. If you fail to do so, judgment by default will
10
be taken against you for the relief demanded in the complaint.
You may be entitled to legal
11
representation through a designated legal organization. Contact the Rhode Island Department of
12
Housing, Division of Civil Representation.
13
______________________________ __________________________________
14
DATE CLERK
15
______________________________ __________________________________
16
SEAL OF THE DISTRICT COURT DATE RECEIVED
17

18
PROOF OF SERVICE
19
I hereby certify that on the date below I served a copy of this summons and a copy of the
20
complaint received herewith upon the above-named defendant by delivering or leaving said papers
21
in the following manner:
22
□ to the defendant personally.
23
□ at his dwelling house or usual place of abode at the address entered
24
below, with a person of suitable age and discretion then residing therewith.
25
□ to an agent named below authorized by appointment or by law to receive
26
service of process.
27
□ Further notice as required by statute was given as noted on the reverse
28
side.
29

30
Address of Dwelling or Usual Place of Abode
31

32
Name of Authorized Agent or Person of Suitable Age
33
______________________________ __________________________________
34
Date Deputy Sheriff/Constable

LC003395 - Page 17 of 20
1
______________________________ __________________________________
2
SERVICE FEE $________
3
(j) The blank answer served in eviction actions shall be in substantially the following form:
4
State of Rhode Island
5
_______________________, Sc. DISTRICT COURT
6
____________________________ _____________ DIVISION
7
PLAINTIFF DEFENDANT
8
____________________________ __________________________________
9
(Landlord's Name) (Tenant's Name)
10
V
11
__________________________________ __________________________________
12
__________________________________ __________________________________
13
(address) (address of rental premises)
14
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE DEFENDANT
15
Listed below are several possible defenses to the eviction action your landlord has filed
16
against you. If one or more of these defenses apply to your case, check the appropriate box(es). If
17
space is provided, write in facts in support of that defense. Use additional paper if necessary. Some
18
of these defenses are technical, and there may be others not listed here. You may consult a lawyer
19
and seek representation before filling out this Answer.
You may be entitled to legal representation
20
through a designated legal organization. Contact the Rhode Island Department of Housing, Division
21
of Civil Representation.
22
TENANT'S ANSWER
23
The complaint against me is untrue or fails to state the following facts:
24
I offered rent, but my landlord refused it. I am still able and willing to pay the rent.
25
I have a defense for nonpayment because the landlord has failed to maintain the premises
26
in a fit and habitable condition.
27
My rent has not been paid, but I have a legally justifiable defense for not paying:
28
I have a written lease which does not expire until:
29
I have not received the required notice from the landlord before this complaint was served
30
on me.
31
The landlord is trying to evict me because I have exercised my legal rights by calling code
32
enforcement officials, or by taking the following protected action:
33
I have other defenses as follow:
34
WHEREFORE: Because of the defense(s) indicated above, I ask the court to grant a

LC003395 - Page 18 of 20
1
judgment in my favor and not order me to be evicted.
2
COUNTERCLAIM
3
Instructions: If you believe you are entitled to be awarded damages or money for any reason
4
from your landlord, you may fill out the statement below:
5
I hereby sue my landlord for the amount of $_____________.
6
I believe I am entitled to receive an award of this amount because
7

8
__________________________________ __________________________________
9
Name of Defendant (or attorney) Signature of Defendant
10
___________________________________
11
Address
12
___________________________________
13
Telephone number
14
___________________________________
15
SECTION 4. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL TENANT'S RIGHT TO LEGAL
REPRESENTATION ACT
***
1
This act would create the division of civil representation within the department of housing
2
and require a designated legal organization to provide legal representation to all tenants who qualify
3
in eviction proceedings. The act would also provide that notice of a tenant’s right to legal
4
representation be included in all residential landlord/tenant complaint forms and that any attempt
5
to waive that right in a lease would be void.
6
This act would take effect upon passage.
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