R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 34-18 § 34-18-50
Payment of moving costs required
Operative Text
Whenever the personal property of any tenant is removed from the premises the tenant occupies by mandate of an execution from the court of competent jurisdiction, the tenant shall pay the entire amount of the cost of moving the personal property and any prepaid storage charges to the division of sheriffs, constable, or other person who lawfully caused the personal property to be so moved before the personal property can be released to the tenant by the person, firm, partnership, company, association, or corporation having lawful possession of the property. Further, the division of sheriffs, constable, or other person who lawfully caused the personal property to be so moved shall prepare and deliver a release in writing stating that the costs of moving and any prepaid storage charges have been paid in full and authorizing the release of the personal property to the tenant. This amount shall be paid to the landlord as reimbursement for the costs of removing the personal property.
Under Rhode Island law, specifically R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-50, when a tenant's personal belongings are removed from a rental unit pursuant to a court-ordered execution, the tenant must pay all moving costs and any prepaid storage charges before those belongings can be returned. The sheriff, constable, or other authorized party who carried out the removal must issue a written release confirming that all costs have been paid in full. The funds collected are ultimately passed along to the landlord as reimbursement for the removal expenses.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-50, landlords who have a tenant's personal property removed through a court-ordered execution are entitled to reimbursement for the associated moving costs. Compliant operators generally coordinate with the division of sheriffs, constable, or other authorized party to ensure that a written release is prepared and that collected funds are properly directed as reimbursement. Keeping clear records of all removal-related expenses helps document the amounts that are subject to reimbursement under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-50 establishes that a tenant whose belongings have been removed by court-ordered execution must pay all moving and prepaid storage costs to the sheriff, constable, or other authorized party before those belongings will be released. Tenants have the right to receive a written release confirming that all charges have been paid in full before or upon the return of their property. Tenants who have questions about the amounts being charged or the process for recovering their belongings may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider familiar with Rhode Island housing law.
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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