Rhode Island Eviction court process & timeline

How does the eviction court process work in Rhode Island?

In a holdover eviction, filed on the court's 'Reason Other Than Nonpayment' complaint form, the summons gives the tenant 20 days from service to file an answer or be defaulted. The hearing is then scheduled under the court's rules.

Verified Source: R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-38(a)-(b) · last checked 2026-10-15