How many days does a tenant get to pay late rent in Rhode Island?

In Rhode Island, before starting a nonpayment case a landlord must serve a written notice giving the tenant 5 days to pay the rent due. The five days run from the date the demand is MAILED, and the demand may be sent only once the rent is 15 days in arrears — so a tenant is at least 20 days late before an eviction can be filed. This is R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 34-18-16.1, 34-18-37(b), 34-18-26(c), 34-18-35.

WhatRhode Island
Notice before a nonpayment case5 days
What the notice demandsPay the rent due, or the tenancy can end

Notes

Written notice of a rent increase must be given at least 60 days before it takes effect, and at least 120 days for a month-to-month tenant over 62 (since June 2024). Either party may end a month-to-month tenancy with written notice, in substantially the statutory form, at least 30 days before the date named in it. Entry: at least two days' notice, at reasonable times, except in an emergency or where impracticable.

Source

R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 34-18-16.1, 34-18-37(b), 34-18-26(c), 34-18-35 — last checked 2026-09-16.

This is a summary of a published statute, not legal advice. Rules change, local ordinances can add to them, and the terms of a specific lease may differ. Check the citation and speak to a lawyer before acting.

How Seayora uses this rule

Seayora computes the notice this rule requires from the tenancy’s own dates — for a renewal offer, a rent increase or a served notice — and will not serve one that is short unless the owner records a reason. The answer above is the rule the product enforces.

Compare this rule in every state

More Rhode Island rules

The same question in other states

Related