R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 45-24.2 § 45-24.2-2
Definitions
Operative Text
(a) "Board" means the board established or designated as the housing board of review. (b) "Dwelling" means any building or structure or part thereof, including hotels and rooming houses, that is used, occupied, or intended to be used or occupied for human habitation, and includes dwelling premises, appurtenances, and facilities belonging to the dwelling or usually enjoyed with it. Whenever the word "dwelling" is used in this chapter, it shall be construed as if followed by the words "or any part thereof". (c) "Dwelling premises" means the land and auxiliary buildings, used or intended to be used in connection with the dwelling. (d) "Enforcing officer" means the head, or his or her duly authorized representative, of the division, bureau, office, department, or agency responsible for enforcing and administering any ordinance, rule, or regulation adopted pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. (e) "Limited equity housing cooperative" means a limited equity cooperative housing corporation chartered pursuant to chapter 6.1 of title 7. (f) "Low income residents" means those residents with incomes not exceeding fifty percent (50%) of the median household income as reported in the most recent federal census. (g) "Moderate income residents" means those residents with incomes not exceeding eighty percent (80%) of the median household income as reported in the most recent federal census.
Section 45-24.2-2 of Rhode Island General Laws establishes the core vocabulary used throughout Chapter 45-24.2, the state's housing board of review framework. Key terms defined here include 'dwelling,' which is interpreted broadly to cover any structure used for human habitation—from single-family homes to hotels and rooming houses—along with its land and auxiliary buildings. The section also sets income thresholds that distinguish 'low income residents' (at or below 50% of median household income) from 'moderate income residents' (at or below 80%), and identifies the 'enforcing officer' as whoever heads the agency responsible for administering local housing ordinances under this chapter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Chapter 45-24.2 should be aware that § 45-24.2-2's broad definition of 'dwelling' means the law's requirements can apply to a wide range of structures, including hotels and rooming houses, not just traditional residential units. The definition of 'dwelling premises' extends coverage to land and auxiliary buildings connected to the main structure, so compliance obligations may reach beyond the primary building itself. Operators who serve low- or moderate-income residents should note that those income categories are defined by reference to federal census median household income figures, which can affect eligibility determinations under programs administered by the local enforcing officer.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 45-24.2-2 provides the foundational definitions that shape how Rhode Island's housing board of review rules apply to residents. Because 'dwelling' is defined broadly—and is always read as meaning 'or any part thereof'—tenants in hotels, rooming houses, and other non-traditional housing arrangements may still fall within the chapter's protections. Residents who believe they qualify as low- or moderate-income under the income thresholds defined in this section, or who have questions about how these definitions affect their situation, may wish to contact their local housing board of review or a tenant-rights organization for general information.
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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