R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 45-25 § 45-25-18.8
Termination
Operative Text
If a decision to terminate a right of use and occupation is upheld by the board upon review, an action to regain possession of the premises shall not be brought until the right of use and occupation has been terminated by lawful notice. If an action to regain possession of the premises is brought by the authority, the tenant has a right to a trial de novo on the issue of whether there was just cause to terminate the tenant's right of use and occupancy.
Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-25-18.8, when a housing authority's board upholds a decision to end a tenant's right of use and occupation, the authority may not file a court action to reclaim the unit until it has first given the tenant lawful notice of termination. Should the authority proceed to court to recover possession, the tenant is entitled to a full trial de novo — meaning a fresh judicial review — on the question of whether just cause existed to end the tenancy.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Housing authorities and property managers operating under R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-25-18.8 generally ensure that a board-upheld termination decision is followed by proper lawful notice before any court action to recover possession is initiated. Skipping the notice step before filing a possession action is a procedural defect that can affect the validity of the proceeding. Compliant operators document each stage — board decision, notice issuance, and timing — to demonstrate adherence to the sequence the statute requires.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-25-18.8, if a housing authority seeks to remove you from your unit after a board termination decision, you have the right to a trial de novo in court, where a judge independently evaluates whether just cause for termination actually existed. You may also raise as a defense the authority's failure to provide lawful notice before bringing the possession action. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid offices familiar with Rhode Island public housing law can help you understand the procedural protections available under this provision.
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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