R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 31-44.2 § 31-44.2-7
Execution
Operative Text
If no appeal is claimed, and if the judgment has not been satisfied, execution shall be issued on the sixth (6th) day following judgment. Executions shall be issued to the division of sheriffs or licensed constables. Every execution issued by any district court pursuant to this chapter shall continue in full force and effect for one year after the date thereof, and be returnable to the district court that issued it in accordance with the provisions of § 9-25-21. All costs in carrying out the mandates of the execution may be added to the execution by the clerk upon approval of the court upon presentment of evidence of the costs.
Under Rhode Island General Laws § 31-44.2-7, when a court judgment goes unappealed and unpaid, the court may issue an execution order beginning on the sixth day after the judgment is entered. That execution is directed to the division of sheriffs or licensed constables, remains valid for one year from its issuance, and must ultimately be returned to the issuing district court in line with § 9-25-21. Documented costs incurred in carrying out the execution can be added to the execution amount by the court clerk, provided the court approves them upon review of supporting evidence.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 31-44.2-7, a landlord who has obtained an unappealed, unsatisfied judgment can expect the district court to issue an execution as early as the sixth day after that judgment. Compliant operators typically work with the division of sheriffs or licensed constables—the only authorized parties to carry out such executions—and keep careful records of any costs incurred, since those costs may be added to the execution with court approval. Operators should also be aware that the execution remains enforceable for one year from its issuance date, after which it must be returned to the issuing district court.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 31-44.2-7 establishes that if a judgment against a tenant goes unappealed and unpaid, an execution can be issued as soon as the sixth day after judgment, carried out by sheriffs or licensed constables. Tenants who believe a judgment was entered in error generally have the option of pursuing an appeal before that sixth-day window closes, which would pause the execution process. Tenants facing an execution under this provision may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid service to understand what options—such as satisfying the judgment or challenging added costs—may be available to them.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 15, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
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