User: Can I withhold rent if landlord does not fix rodent issue The Helping Hand: If you’re dealing with a rodent issue in your rental property in Rhode Island and your landlord has not addressed the problem, you do have some options. Rhode Island law allows tenants to take certain actions when their landlord fails to maintain the property in a habitable condition, which includes addressing pest infestations. Before withholding rent, you must first notify your landlord in writing about the rodent issue and give them a reasonable amount of time to fix the problem. If the landlord fails to act w ..read more

For Part 3 of our series on fighting traffic tickets in court, it’s time to prepare to contest your ticket. After receiving a traffic ticket, the first big decision is whether to contest it in court. For most moving violations such as speeding, most people just pay the fine. Some estimates put the number of drivers who fight their citations at less than five percent, one of the reasons traffic tickets are such a excellent and reliable source of revenue for so many cities and towns. In many cases, giving in so easily is a mistake because the only check-and-balance to the traffic justice system ..read more

User: I broke my toilet and my landlord wants me to pay The Helping Hand: If you caused damage to your toilet, it is typically your responsibility as the tenant to cover the cost of repair. In Rhode Island, tenants are generally expected to pay for damages that they or their guests cause to the rental unit. You should communicate with your landlord to arrange the repair and payment. It might be beneficial to discuss the situation and agree upon a repair service and the associated costs. Would you like guidance on finding a reputable repair service or do you need assistance on how to negotiate ..read more

Late last week we launched a new homepage that looks radically different than our past layouts. The biggest change is a refocusing from news stories to our exclusive in-house tools, BillBuddy, The Helping Hand, and RI Rank. If you followed Uprise RI over the past year, you’ve likely noticed that we only have the resources to post a few stories each month. We try to ensure these stories are impactful and unique – stories that aren’t being reported elsewhere. But ultimately, we believe our home-grown tools can have the most impact for our audience. Feedback we’ve received and usage metrics show ..read more

Defending yourself against an alleged traffic offense starts with an awareness of what to do, and more importantly what not to do, during a traffic stop. The red and blue lights are shining in your rear-view mirror. Acknowledge your intention to pull over by immediately activating your turn signal and then finding a safe place to pull off the roadway, on the right-hand shoulder if at all possible. If you feel there is something strange or fishy about the patrol car and you are in a remote area and just don’t feel safe, activate your emergency flashers and drive cautiously to a location where t ..read more

User: Can my landlord raise my rent $500? The Helping Hand: In Rhode Island, landlords can raise rent by any amount, as there is no state-mandated limit on the amount of rent increase. However, they must provide proper notice and follow the terms of your lease agreement. If you’re an “at-will” tenant or on a month-to-month lease, your landlord is required to give you a 30-day notice before the rent increase takes effect. If you are aged 62 or above, a 60-day notice is required. If you believe the rent increase is discriminatory or retaliatory, it may be illegal under the Federal Fair Housing A ..read more

User: Hi there, can a landlord demand prepaid rents? The Helping Hand: In Rhode Island, a landlord can request prepaid rents, such as the first month’s rent or last month’s rent in addition to a security deposit. However, the total of the security deposit cannot exceed one month’s rent. It’s important to note that any disputes regarding prepaid rent are typically settled in court ..read more

User: When can I withhold rent? The Helping Hand: In Rhode Island, you may withhold rent under certain conditions, such as when a landlord fails to address essential repairs that affect health and safety. Before withholding rent, you must notify the landlord in writing of the issue and give them a reasonable time to fix it. If the problem isn’t resolved, you can put the rent money into an escrow account to show that you’re willing to pay once the repairs are made. Keep in mind that this action should be taken with caution and it’s recommended to seek legal advice before doing so ..read more

User: Is it legal for my landlord to include a clause in my lease that says “if you make a maintenance request you are giving yourself notice and people may enter your apartment at any time without further notice”? The Helping Hand: No, in Rhode Island, a clause stating that by requesting maintenance you are providing notice for entry at any time without further notice is not in line with state law. Landlords are required to give a two-day notice before entering your apartment for repairs or maintenance, except in emergencies or if the property is unoccupied. Such a clause might be considered ..read more

User: I have black mold in the bathroom of my apartment. What should I do? The Helping Hand: If you’ve discovered black mold in the bathroom of your apartment, it’s important to notify your landlord in writing immediately, as they are responsible for maintaining habitable living conditions, including addressing mold issues that can impact health and safety. Document the mold with photos and keep a record of all communications with your landlord. If your landlord fails to address the problem, you can contact the Rhode Island Department of Health at (401) 222-5960 for guidance on mold issues and ..read more