R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 42-11.2 § 42-11.2-12
Admission and selection of tenants
Operative Text
(a) Tenant selection shall be the responsibility of the owner, except that owners of units assisted under this chapter shall abide by the application and tenant selection policies and procedures established by the executive department. (b) The executive department shall develop application, waiting list, and tenant selection policies and procedures that are fair and reasonable and are consistent with the requirements of this chapter.
Under R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 42-11.2 § 42-11.2-12, tenant selection is generally the owner's prerogative, but owners of units receiving assistance under this chapter must follow the application and tenant selection policies set by the executive department. The executive department is required to develop these policies—covering applications, waiting lists, and selection—so that they are fair, reasonable, and consistent with the chapter's broader requirements. This provision creates a dual framework: unassisted owners retain discretion, while assisted-unit owners operate within a regulated structure.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Owners of properties assisted under R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 42-11.2 § 42-11.2-12 are expected to follow the application, waiting list, and tenant selection procedures established by the executive department rather than setting their own independent criteria. Compliant operators typically familiarize themselves with the department's current policies, apply them consistently across applicants, and maintain documentation showing adherence to those procedures. Owners of non-assisted units retain broader discretion but should still be mindful of fair housing obligations that apply independently of this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 42-11.2 § 42-11.2-12 establishes that applicants for assisted units have a right to be evaluated under fair and reasonable policies developed by the executive department, including rules governing waiting lists and selection. Tenants or applicants who believe an assisted-unit owner has deviated from those established procedures may have grounds to raise that concern with the executive department or a tenant-rights organization. General enforcement paths can include filing a complaint with the relevant state agency or consulting a local housing advocacy group familiar with Rhode Island's assisted-housing programs.
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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