R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 42-11.2 § 42-11.2-10
Utility allowance
Operative Text
(a) The executive department shall establish a schedule of utility allowances for units assisted under this chapter. The utility allowances shall be set at a level sufficient to provide for the costs of adequate heat, electricity, and water for the various size dwelling units assisted under this chapter. (b) The executive department shall, at least annually, review the utility allowance levels established to ensure that they remain sufficient to cover the costs of adequate utilities for units assisted under this chapter.
Rhode Island General Laws § 42-11.2-10 requires the state's executive department to create and maintain a schedule of utility allowances for housing units receiving assistance under Chapter 42-11.2. These allowances must be set high enough to cover the actual costs of heat, electricity, and water, calibrated to the size of each dwelling unit. The executive department is also obligated to review these allowance levels at least once per year to confirm they remain adequate.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 42-11.2-10, operators of units assisted under Chapter 42-11.2 should be aware that the executive department sets and periodically updates the utility allowance schedule applicable to those units. Compliant operators generally track the current allowance schedule and incorporate any annual adjustments into their rent and utility calculations. Staying current with the executive department's published allowance levels helps ensure that program requirements are met.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 42-11.2-10 establishes that tenants in units assisted under Chapter 42-11.2 are entitled to utility allowances designed to cover the reasonable costs of heat, electricity, and water appropriate to their unit size. If a tenant believes the allowances being applied do not reflect the current schedule set by the executive department, they may consider contacting the executive department directly or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for guidance. Tenants can also inquire whether the annual review required by this provision has been completed and whether updated allowance levels are being applied to their unit.
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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