R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 34-18 § 34-18-9
Jurisdiction
Operative Text
The district or appropriate housing court of this state shall exercise jurisdiction in both law and equity over any landlord or tenant with respect to any conduct in this state governed by this chapter or with respect to any claim arising from a transaction subject to this chapter. In addition to any other method provided by rule or by statute, personal jurisdiction over a landlord or tenant may be acquired in a civil action or proceeding commenced in the court by the service of process in the manner provided by § 34-18-10(c).
Rhode Island General Laws § 34-18-9 establishes that the state's district courts and housing courts have authority to hear both legal and equitable claims involving landlords and tenants when the conduct or transaction at issue is governed by Chapter 34-18. The provision also specifies that courts can obtain personal jurisdiction over a landlord or tenant through the service-of-process method described in § 34-18-10(c), in addition to any other methods already permitted by rule or statute. This means disputes arising under Rhode Island's residential landlord-tenant law can be brought in these courts regardless of whether a party seeks monetary relief, an injunction, or another form of remedy.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 34-18-9, Rhode Island district and housing courts hold broad authority over landlords for any conduct or transaction covered by Chapter 34-18, including both monetary claims and equitable relief such as injunctions. Operators who manage residential rental property in Rhode Island generally ensure they understand that they may be subject to court jurisdiction through the service-of-process procedures outlined in § 34-18-10(c), even if they are not physically present in the state at the time a proceeding is initiated. Maintaining accurate contact information and responding promptly to any court notices helps ensure that a landlord's interests are represented in any proceeding brought under this chapter.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 34-18-9 confirms that Rhode Island tenants have access to both district and housing courts to pursue claims—whether for damages or equitable relief—arising from any landlord conduct covered by Chapter 34-18. This provision means a tenant is not limited to a single type of legal remedy and that courts can assert jurisdiction over a landlord through the service-of-process method described in § 34-18-10(c). Tenants who believe their rights under Chapter 34-18 have been violated may consider consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider to understand which court and which type of claim may be appropriate for their circumstances.
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
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation