Section 34-18-30 - Self-help for limited repairs(a) If the landlord fails to comply with subsection of § 34-18-22(a)(1), (2), (4), (5), or (6), and the reasonable cost of compliance is less than five hundred dollars ($500) in the aggregate per year, the tenant may cause repairs to be done in a skilled manner, in compliance with applicable state and local codes, and deduct from their rent the actual and reasonable cost or the fair and reasonable value of the repairs if: (1) The tenant notifies the landlord of the tenant's intention to correct the condition at the landlord's expense; and(2) The landlord fails to comply within twenty (20) days, or fails to demonstrate ongoing, good faith efforts to comply, after being notified by the tenant in writing; or, in the case of emergency, the landlord either cannot be reached by the tenant, or the landlord fails to comply as promptly as conditions require; and(3) The tenant submits an itemized statement to the landlord of the cost or the fair and reasonable value of the repairs made.(b) A tenant may not repair at the landlord's expense if the condition was caused by the deliberate or negligent act or omission of the tenant, a member of the tenant's family, or other person on the premises with the tenant's consent.R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-30
Amended by 2023 Pub. Laws, ch. 286, § 1, eff. 1/1/2024.Amended by 2023 Pub. Laws, ch. 287, § 1, eff. 1/1/2024.