Conclusion

Once you sign a lease, your legal relationship with your landlord is determined by the document you’ve signed. The steps you have taken prior to signing a lease can protect you and your landlord from misunderstandings and the need for legal action. If problems do arise, consult the Appendix of this guide for a list of people and agencies who can offer you advice.

The State of Rhode Island Landlord/Tenant Handbook provides general information concerning landlord-tenant relationships and responsibilities, based on Rhode Island General Law (RIGL) Chapter 34-18, entitled the “Residential Landlord Tenant Act.”

The degree to which you communicate with your landlord and neighbors, showing goodwill and a willingness to own your responsibilities, will, to a large extent, determine how these relationships succeed.

Landlord/tenant relationships in the Providence area are generally amicable. If both you and your landlord act responsibly, you will help ensure that off-campus housing for Brown students remains available.

Enjoy your new home!