For 2025, Rhode Island does not have a statewide rent control law limiting how much landlords can raise rents, but there are important notice requirements, protections, and local efforts that tenants should know. Landlords may set new rent amounts in line with market rates when a lease ends, but they are required to provide advance written notice: standard tenants must receive 60 days’ notice, while tenants aged 62 or older must be given 120 days’ notice before any rent increase on a month-to-month lease takes effect. Rent cannot be increased during the fixed term of a lease—only at renewal or for new tenancy—protecting tenants from mid-term hikes.
In early 2025, state lawmakers introduced bills that would have capped annual rent increases at 4% and created legal remedies for tenants against violations, but these bills did not become law. As a result, there is currently no legal cap on rent hikes at the state level, and landlords are not required to justify increases (except in cases where increases are unconscionable, retaliatory, or discriminatory). Some local jurisdictions in Rhode Island may have rent stabilization or tenant protection ordinances, so tenants are encouraged to check with their city or town for additional rules that may apply.
Landlords are also prohibited from raising rent as retaliation for a tenant exercising legal rights or in a manner that is far above local market rates, which could be deemed unconscionable and subject to legal challenge. Properly written notice of any rent increase must be provided, specifying the new rent amount and the date the increase will take effect. Tenants offered a new rental agreement at a higher rate may accept the terms or seek alternative housing. These rules are designed to ensure clarity and fair warning for tenants facing potential rent increases, while reinforcing protections for seniors and other vulnerable residents.
Sources
(https://legiscan.com/RI/bill/S0580/2025)
(https://www.hemlane.com/resources/rhode-island-rent-control-laws/)
(https://www.steadily.com/blog/rent-increase-laws-regulations-rhode-island)
(https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/HouseText25/H5264.pdf)
(https://tax.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur541/files/2025-07/2025_summary_of_legislative_changes.pdf)
