R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 34-37 § 34-37-5.2
Discrimination in brokerage services
Operative Text
It shall be unlawful to deny any person who meets licensing and other non-discriminatory requirements that are also applied to other applicants and members access to, or membership or participation in, any real estate listing service, real estate brokers' organization, or other service, organization, or facility relating to the business of selling, leasing, or renting a housing accommodation or to discriminate against him or her in the terms or conditions of the access, membership, or participation on account of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military status as a veteran with an honorable discharge or an honorable or general administrative discharge, servicemember in the armed forces, country of ancestral origin, disability, age, or familial status.
Rhode Island General Laws § 34-37-5.2 prohibits real estate listing services, brokers' organizations, and related industry groups from turning away or treating unequally any person who meets standard, non-discriminatory licensing or membership requirements. The rule covers a broad list of protected characteristics, including race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, familial status, military or veteran status, marital status, and country of ancestral origin. Any difference in the terms or conditions of access or membership based on those characteristics is also prohibited, not just outright denial.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers who participate in real estate listing services or brokers' organizations should be aware that § 34-37-5.2 governs how those industry bodies must treat all participants. A compliant organization applies the same licensing and membership criteria to every applicant regardless of protected characteristics, and extends identical terms of participation to all members. Landlords who rely on these services to market rental housing benefit from understanding that the organizations they work with are legally required to operate on a non-discriminatory basis.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 34-37-5.2 of Rhode Island General Laws gives individuals the right to access real estate listing services and brokers' organizations on equal terms, free from discrimination based on protected characteristics such as race, disability, sexual orientation, or familial status. If a person believes they have been denied membership, access, or equal participation in such a service because of a protected characteristic, they may have grounds to file a complaint with the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights or pursue other available enforcement channels. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid providers familiar with Rhode Island fair housing law can help individuals understand what options may be available under this provision.
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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