§ 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 one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125), the tenant may cause repairs to be done in a skilled manner, in compliance with applicable state and local codes, and deduct from his or her rent the actual and reasonable cost or the fair and reasonable value of the repairs if:
(1) The tenant notifies the landlord of his or her 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 his or her family, or other person on the premises with his or her consent.
History of Section.P.L. 1986, ch. 200, § 2.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Chapter 34-18 - Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
Section 34-18-1. - Short title.
Section 34-18-2. - Purposes — Rules of construction.
Section 34-18-3. - Supplementary principles of law applicable.
Section 34-18-4. - Construction against implicit repeal.
Section 34-18-5. - Administration of remedies — Enforcement.
Section 34-18-6. - Temporary restraining orders — Ex parte proceedings.
Section 34-18-7. - Application.
Section 34-18-8. - Exclusions from application of chapter.
Section 34-18-9. - Jurisdiction.
Section 34-18-10. - Service of process for actions pursuant to chapter.
Section 34-18-11. - Definitions.
Section 34-18-12. - Obligation of good faith.
Section 34-18-13. - Unconscionability.
Section 34-18-15. - Terms and conditions of rental agreement.
Section 34-18-16. - Effect of unsigned or undelivered rental agreement.
Section 34-18-16.1. - Rent increases — Notice requirements.
Section 34-18-17. - Prohibited provisions in rental agreements.
Section 34-18-18. - Receipt of rent free of maintenance obligations forbidden.
Section 34-18-19. - Security deposits.
Section 34-18-20. - Disclosure.
Section 34-18-21. - Landlord to deliver possession of dwelling unit.
Section 34-18-22. - Landlord to maintain premises.
Section 34-18-22.1. - Landlord’s duty to notify tenant of violation.
Section 34-18-22.2. - Landlord’s duty regarding compliance with zoning and minimum housing laws.
Section 34-18-22.3. - Nonresident landlord to designate agent for service of process.
Section 34-18-23. - Limitation of liability upon sale or change of management.
Section 34-18-24. - Tenant to maintain dwelling unit.
Section 34-18-25. - Rules and regulations.
Section 34-18-27. - Tenant to use and occupy.
Section 34-18-28. - Noncompliance by the landlord in general.
Section 34-18-29. - Failure to deliver possession.
Section 34-18-30. - Self-help for limited repairs.
Section 34-18-31. - Wrongful failure to supply heat, water, hot water, or essential services.
Section 34-18-32. - Landlord’s noncompliance as defense to action for possession or rent.
Section 34-18-33. - Fire or casualty damage.
Section 34-18-35. - Eviction for nonpayment of rent.
Section 34-18-36. - Eviction for noncompliance with rental agreement.
Section 34-18-37. - Termination of periodic tenancy.
Section 34-18-38. - Eviction for unlawfully holding over after termination or expiration of tenancy.
Section 34-18-38.2. - Just cause needed for eviction of foreclosed residential property tenants.
Section 34-18-39. - Failure to maintain.
Section 34-18-40. - Remedies for abandonment.
Section 34-18-41. - Waiver of landlord’s right to terminate.
Section 34-18-42. - Landlord liens — Distraint for rent abolished.
Section 34-18-43. - Remedy after termination.
Section 34-18-44. - Self-help recovery of possession prohibited.
Section 34-18-45. - Landlord and tenant remedies for abuse of access.
Section 34-18-46. - Retaliatory conduct prohibited.
Section 34-18-48. - Execution.
Section 34-18-49. - Payment of rent on stay of execution.
Section 34-18-50. - Payment of moving costs required.
Section 34-18-51. - Issuance of execution on nonpayment of rent.
Section 34-18-52. - Payment of rent during pendency of appeal.
Section 34-18-53. - Dismissal of appeal for nonpayment of rent during pendency of appeals.
Section 34-18-54. - Savings clause.
Section 34-18-55. - Severability.
Section 34-18-56. - Notices and complaint forms.
Section 34-18-57. - Providence and Warwick Absentee Landlord Enforcement Act.