R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 34-19 § 34-19-6
Judgment and writ of restitution
Operative Text
Upon the return of verdict for the complainant, the court shall enter up judgment that the complainant have restitution of the premises, with all costs, to be taxed by the court, and shall award a writ of restitution and for costs against the party complained of, in the form following: THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND. SC. (SEAL) To the sheriff of our county of .......... , or to .......... his or her deputy, .......... Greeting: Whereas, at a court of inquiry of forcible entry and detainer, .......... held at .......... in our county of .......... upon the ...... day of .......... in the year .......... before one of the justices of the superior court, the jurors impaneled and sworn by our justice did return their verdict in writing, signed by each of them, that .......... was upon the ...... day of .......... in the rightful possession of a certain messuage or tract of land (as in the verdict returned), and that (as in the verdict), whereupon it was considered by our court that .......... should have restitution of the same, we command you, that, taking with you the power of the county, if necessary, you cause .......... to be forthwith removed from the premises, and .......... to have peaceable possession of the same, and also that you levy of the goods and chattels and real estate of the said .......... the sum of .......... being costs taxed against him or her on the trial aforesaid, together with twenty-five cents (25¢) more for this writ, and also your own fees for levying the same; and for want of such goods and chattels or real estate of .......... to be by you found, you are commanded to take the body of .......... and him or her to commit to jail in .......... , in .......... county of .......... , there to remain until he or she shall pay the sum aforesaid together with all fees arising on the service of this writ or until he or she is delivered by order of law; and make return of this writ and your doings thereon within twenty (20) days next coming. Witness the seal of the superior court the ...... day of .......... in the year ...... . Clerk. (or) Witness my hand and seal the ...... day of .......... in the year ...... . Justice of the superior court.
Rhode Island General Laws § 34-19-6 establishes what happens after a jury returns a verdict in favor of the complainant in a forcible entry and detainer proceeding. The court is required to enter a judgment granting the complainant restitution of the disputed premises and to issue a formal writ of restitution directing the sheriff to remove the occupant and restore peaceful possession to the complainant. The statute also prescribes the exact form that writ must take, including provisions for levying costs against the losing party and, if necessary, committing that party to jail until costs are paid.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 34-19-6, a property owner who prevails at a forcible entry and detainer trial in Rhode Island is entitled to a court-issued writ of restitution directing the sheriff to restore possession of the premises. Compliant operators in this process typically ensure that all required court filings are complete and that costs are properly documented so the court can tax them accurately. The writ's prescribed form also allows for recovery of trial costs, so maintaining clear records of expenses associated with the proceeding is a practice consistent with this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 34-19-6 governs the judgment and writ that a court issues against the party who loses a forcible entry and detainer case in Rhode Island, which can include removal from the premises by the sheriff and liability for court costs. Tenants who believe the underlying proceeding was improper or that the verdict was reached in error may have options such as raising legal defenses during the trial phase, since the writ flows directly from the jury's verdict. Consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider familiar with Rhode Island housing law can help a tenant understand what procedural rights exist before or after a writ under § 34-19-6 is issued.
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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