R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 34-37 § 34-37-5.3
Fostering of segregated housing prohibited
Operative Text
It shall be an unlawful discriminatory housing practice to for profit induce, or attempt to induce, any person to sell or rent any dwelling by representations regarding the entry or prospective entry into the neighborhood of a person or persons of a particular race, color, religion, marital status, lawful source of income, 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, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or familial status.
Rhode Island General Laws § 34-37-5.3 prohibits a practice commonly known as 'blockbusting' — the for-profit act of pressuring or persuading someone to sell or rent their home by suggesting that people of a particular race, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, familial status, marital status, veteran or military status, or lawful source of income are moving into the neighborhood. The law treats both completed acts and mere attempts as unlawful discriminatory housing practices. This provision is part of Rhode Island's broader fair housing framework aimed at preventing the deliberate fostering of segregated residential patterns.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and real estate professionals operating under § 34-37-5.3 generally ensure that no communications — whether direct, implied, or through third parties — reference the demographic characteristics of incoming or existing neighborhood residents as a reason to sell or rent. Compliant operators avoid any marketing, solicitation, or advisory language that ties a transaction to the perceived racial, religious, ethnic, or other protected-class composition of a neighborhood. Maintaining clear, documented policies against blockbusting-style solicitations is a common practice among operators seeking to stay within the bounds of this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 34-37-5.3, individuals who believe they have been subjected to blockbusting — for example, being urged to sell or rent based on who is moving into their neighborhood — may have grounds to pursue a fair housing complaint. Rhode Island's fair housing law provides enforcement pathways, including filing a complaint with a state or federal fair housing agency, and tenant-rights or fair housing organizations can help explain what options may be available. Documenting any communications that reference neighborhood demographics in connection with a housing transaction can be relevant when exploring these avenues.
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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