R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 31-44.2 § 31-44.2-4

(a)(1) In actions pursuant to this chapter, the summons for an action for removal of an abandoned
mobile or manufactured home shall be in the form provided in this chapter. At the
time of filing of the complaint, the clerk shall mark the date of hearing upon the
summons, which shall be the ninth (9th) day after filing of the complaint, or the
first court day following the ninth (9th) day. For the purposes of this section only,
the time of filing of the complaint shall be the date upon which the clerk assigns
a case number to the action and the filing fee is paid to the clerk. On the same day
that the complaint is filed, the plaintiff's attorney or, if pro se, the plaintiff,
or if more than one, the person filing the complaint shall mail a copy of the summons
and complaint by first class mail, to the defendant; shall complete the proof of service
on a copy of the original summons; and file the completed proof of service in the
appropriate court. The clerk shall note on the docket the mailing date of the summons
and complaint and shall complete the proof of service on the original summons. The
plaintiff shall deliver the original summons and a copy thereof, together with a copy
of the complaint to the division of sheriffs or any constable of the county in which
the appropriate court is located. The officer receiving the copies shall serve them
by:


(i) Handing them to the defendant;


(ii) Serving them at the defendant's dwelling unit to a person of suitable age and discretion
then residing therein; or


(iii) If none be found, by posting them conspicuously on the door to defendant's dwelling
unit.


(2) The deputy sheriff or constable serving the summons and complaint shall make proof
of service on the original summons and shall file it with the clerk of the appropriate
court at or before the time of the hearing. The proof of service shall show the manner
and the day, hour, and place of service, and shall show that the defendant was served
no less than five (5) days before the hearing.


(b) In all actions pursuant to this chapter, the procedure shall be as follows:


(1) The summons pursuant to this chapter shall be in the form provided in § 31-44.2-8.


(2) Service shall be made pursuant to Rule 4 of the district court civil rules, or other
appropriate rule of court.


(c) If a plaintiff or defendant is not a resident of this state or is a corporation not
authorized to do business in this state and engages in any conduct in this state governed
by this chapter, or engages in a transaction subject to this chapter, he or she may
designate an agent upon whom service of process may be made in this state. The agent
shall be a resident of this state or a corporation authorized to do business in this
state. The designation shall be in writing and filed with the secretary of state.
If no designation is made and filed, or if the process cannot be served in this state
upon the designated agent, process may be served upon the secretary of state, but
service upon the secretary of state is not effective unless the plaintiff or petitioner
forthwith mails a copy of the process and pleading by registered or certified mail
to the defendant or respondent at his or her last reasonably ascertainable address.
An affidavit of compliance with this subsection shall be filed with the clerk of the
court on or before the return day of the process, if any, or within any further time
the court allows.


(d) If, at the time of hearing, it appears that the clerk failed to provide mail service
as required by subsection (a) of this section, or that the mailed service was undeliverable,
service shall nevertheless be deemed complete if proof of service reflects that service
was accomplished in accordance with subsection (a)(1)(i) or (ii) of this section.