R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 6-13.1 § 6-13.1-5
Restraining prohibited acts
Operative Text
(a) Whenever the attorney general has reason to believe that any person is using, has used, or is about to use any method, act, or practice declared to be unlawful by § 6-13.1-2, and that proceedings would be in the public interest, the attorney general may bring an action in the name of the state against the person to restrain by temporary or permanent injunction the use of the method, act, or practice, upon the giving of appropriate notice to that person and to seek any other relief that may be appropriate. (b) The action may be brought in the superior court of the county in which the person shall dwell or be found; or have his or her principal place of business; or with consent of the parties; or if the person is a nonresident or has no principal place of business within this state or if the superior court shall not be in session in the counties previously said to be applicable, may be brought in the superior court of Providence County. The superior courts are authorized to issue temporary or permanent injunctions to restrain and prevent violations of this chapter and the injunctions shall be issued without bond. (c) The court may make any additional orders or judgments that may be necessary to restore to any person in interest any moneys or property, real or personal, that may have been acquired by means of any practice in this chapter declared to be unlawful, including the appointment of a receiver in any case where the superior court finds that the assets of a corporation are in danger of being misapplied, dissipated, wasted, or lost, or the revocation of a license or certificate authorizing that person to engage in business in this state, or both. (d) Actions under this chapter may be brought without regard to the pendency of criminal proceedings arising out of the same acts or practices and no action shall bar the institution of criminal proceedings arising out of the same acts or practices. No involuntary admission by any person in the action shall be admissible in any subsequent criminal proceeding. (e) Any person who violates the terms of an injunction issued under this section shall forfeit and pay to the state a civil penalty of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per violation. For the purposes of this section, the superior court of a county issuing an injunction shall retain jurisdiction, and the cause shall be continued, and in those cases the attorney general, acting in the name of the state, may petition for recovery of civil penalties and damages.
Rhode Island General Laws § 6-13.1-5 authorizes the state's Attorney General to seek court orders—temporary or permanent injunctions—to stop any person or business from engaging in practices declared unlawful under the state's consumer protection statute. Courts handling these cases can also order the return of money or property obtained through unlawful practices, revoke business licenses, or appoint a receiver to protect assets. If someone violates an injunction issued under this section, they may face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, payable to the state. Enforcement actions under this provision can proceed independently of, and do not block, any related criminal proceedings.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Rhode Island should be aware that § 6-13.1-5 gives the Attorney General broad authority to seek injunctive relief in Superior Court against any party—including landlords—found to be engaging in practices prohibited under § 6-13.1-2. A compliant operator generally ensures that all rental practices, disclosures, and dealings with tenants conform to the state's consumer protection standards, since violations can result in court-ordered restitution, license revocation, or civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation of an injunction. Operators with questions about whether specific business practices fall within the scope of this chapter typically consult legal counsel familiar with Rhode Island consumer protection law.
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 § 6-13.1-5, Rhode Island tenants who believe a landlord has engaged in unlawful practices may have recourse through the Attorney General's office, which is empowered to seek injunctions and restoration of money or property on behalf of the public. Courts can order that funds or property obtained through prohibited practices be returned to affected individuals, and violations of resulting injunctions carry civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation. Tenants seeking to understand their options under this provision can contact the Rhode Island Attorney General's consumer protection unit or reach out to a local 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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Rules and statutes that cite this regulation