R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 34-18 § 34-18-4
Construction against implicit repeal
Operative Text
This chapter being a general act intended as a unified coverage of its subject matter, no part of it is to be construed as impliedly repealed by subsequent legislation if that construction can reasonably be avoided. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of this chapter and the provisions of chapters 18.1, 19, or 20 of this title, the provisions of this chapter shall control.
Section 34-18-4 of Rhode Island's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act establishes that the chapter is designed as a comprehensive, unified body of law governing landlord-tenant relations. Because of that design, later legislation is not presumed to silently override any part of this chapter unless such a reading cannot reasonably be avoided. When this chapter's rules conflict with those found in related chapters 18.1, 19, or 20 of the same title, the rules in chapter 34-18 take precedence.
Plain English — not legal advice.
For property owners and managers operating under Rhode Island law, § 34-18-4 means that chapter 34-18 remains the primary governing framework for residential tenancies even when other related statutes address overlapping topics. Compliant operators generally look first to chapter 34-18 when determining their obligations, recognizing that its provisions are not easily displaced by other chapters. Understanding this hierarchy helps operators apply the correct standard when multiple statutory provisions appear to address the same situation.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 34-18-4 reinforces that the protections and procedures established throughout chapter 34-18 are intended to be durable and not quietly erased by other legislation. Tenants who believe their rights under chapter 34-18 are being interpreted in a way that conflicts with another statute may find this provision relevant, as it establishes that chapter 34-18 generally controls over chapters 18.1, 19, or 20 of the same title. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid offices can help explain how this interpretive rule may apply in a given context.
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.
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