R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 45-24.2 § 45-24.2-10
Construction of chapter
Operative Text
This chapter shall be construed most favorably to cities and towns, its intention being to give cities and towns the fullest and most complete powers possible concerning the subject matter of the chapter.
Rhode Island General Laws § 45-24.2-10 establishes a rule of interpretation for the entire chapter: when any provision is ambiguous or its scope is uncertain, courts and agencies are directed to read it in the way that grants cities and towns the broadest possible authority over the subject matter. This is sometimes called a 'liberal construction' or 'pro-municipality' canon. The provision does not create new substantive rights or duties on its own, but it shapes how every other section of the chapter is understood.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 45-24.2-10, local governments operating under this chapter are presumed to have wide-ranging authority, which means municipal rent-related ordinances or regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter may be interpreted expansively by courts. Property owners and managers should be aware that a municipality's claimed power under this chapter is likely to be read broadly rather than narrowly if a dispute arises. Reviewing the full scope of any local ordinance enacted under this chapter with a qualified professional is a common practice for operators seeking to understand their compliance obligations.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 45-24.2-10 signals that cities and towns have been given strong authority under this chapter, which can mean that local tenant protections enacted pursuant to it may be interpreted in ways that support municipal power to regulate housing conditions and rental practices. Tenants who believe a local ordinance under this chapter applies to their situation may find it useful to contact a local tenant-rights organization or rent board to understand how that ordinance has been applied. Because this provision shapes the interpretation of the entire chapter, it can be relevant background when raising a violation as a defense or filing a complaint under a locally enacted measure.
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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