R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 34-18.1 § 34-18.1-3
Liability of tenants by sufferance for rent
Operative Text
Persons in possession of lands or tenements covered by this chapter as tenants by sufferance shall be liable to pay rent for such time as they may occupy or detain the same.
Rhode Island General Laws § 34-18.1-3 establishes that a person who remains in a rental property after their legal right to occupy it has ended — known as a 'tenant by sufferance' — is still financially responsible for rent during the entire period they continue to occupy or hold the property. The rule applies to lands and tenements covered by Chapter 34-18.1. This obligation exists regardless of whether a formal new lease or agreement is in place.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 34-18.1-3, property owners in Rhode Island generally have a legal basis to seek compensation for the period a holdover occupant remains on the property after their tenancy has ended. Compliant operators typically document the end date of the original tenancy and keep records of any continued occupation, as these records can support a claim for rent owed during the holdover period. Consulting with a qualified real estate attorney familiar with Chapter 34-18.1 can help clarify the appropriate steps for a given situation.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 34-18.1-3 of Rhode Island General Laws means that staying in a rental unit after a tenancy has legally ended can create a financial obligation to pay rent for that holdover period. Tenants in this situation may want to review their rights under Chapter 34-18.1 and consider reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance. Understanding the full scope of this provision — including any defenses that may be available — is an important step before making decisions about remaining in or vacating a property.
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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