R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 34-18.1 § 34-18.1-9

(a) All suits for possession of lands, buildings or parts of buildings covered by this
chapter shall be by the ordinary process of actions for possession or otherwise as
provided by law.


(b)(1) If, in any case of a letting covered by this chapter, whether by writing or parol,
the stipulated rent, or any part of the same, be due and in arrear for a period of
fifteen (15) days, whether demanded or not, the landlord or reversioner wishing to
repossess him or herself of the lands, building or parts of buildings let, or recover
possession of the same from the tenant, or any person holding under him or her, shall,
without the necessity of notice, institute a trespass and action for possession in
the district court where the premises are situated, and in this action the court may
award a plaintiff judgment for possession and for all rent due plus costs.


(2) For cause shown the justice of the district court may issue a special order providing
for the method of service of process upon the defendant.


(3) Answer to the summons and complaint shall be made within seven (7) days of the service
upon the defendant. The action shall be heard on the next court day following the
seven (7) day period, and shall take precedence on the calendar. If no answer is filed
within the time prescribed, judgment shall enter forthwith.


(4) Any aggrieved party may appeal to the superior court from a judgment of the district
court by claiming such appeal in writing filed with the clerk within forty-eight (48)
hours, exclusive of Sundays and legal holidays, after the judgment is entered.


(5) All such court actions shall have precedence on the calendar and shall continue to
have precedence on the calendar on a day-to-day basis until the matter is heard.


(c)(1) Executions shall be issued only to the division of sheriffs or constable of the county
where the premises are situated and he or she shall execute the mandates therein contained
within twenty (20) days of its issuance. If the member of the division of sheriffs
or constable fails to execute the mandates within the prescribed time, the member
of the division of sheriffs or constable shall appear before a justice of the court
issuing the execution at the regular session of the court next following the twenty
(20) days to show cause why the mandates of the execution have not been carried out.


(2) All costs, including reasonable moving costs incurred by the member of the division
of sheriffs or constable 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.