Uprise RI proudly announces the launch of Omnix, a cutting-edge search engine designed to provide readers with unprecedented access to our vast archive of exclusive coverage and editorials. Omnix represents a significant leap forward in how the public engages with local news. This powerful tool allows users to ask any question about any subject ever covered by Uprise RI and receive a direct answer, complete with links to the relevant article(s). No longer will readers need to sift through entire articles to find the information they seek; Omnix brings the answers directly to their fingertips ..read more

In January 2021, Rhode Island introduced a law mandating schools to adopt composting initiatives. However, a recent survey conducted by the Youth Composting Campaign Initiative (YCCI) has uncovered a significant gap between the policy’s requirements and the actual implementation of composting programs in schools across the state. The survey, which included responses from 88 participants representing 288 schools, aimed to assess the current state of composting initiatives and identify the challenges hindering compliance with the mandate. The results paint a concerning picture, with only 33% of ..read more

User: Can my landlord charge [a] garbage fee The Helping Hand: In Rhode Island, the terms of your rental agreement typically outline who is responsible for utility fees, including garbage collection. If your lease specifies that the landlord covers garbage fees, they should not charge you separately. However, if the lease states that tenants are responsible for garbage fees, or if this is a common practice in your type of rental unit, then it may be permissible for your landlord to charge you. Could you let me know what is stated in your lease regarding garbage fees, or if there have been any ..read more

User: A window broke in my apartment while I was not at home. Who pays for that? The Helping Hand: Could you let me know if the damage to the window was due to circumstances beyond your control, and have you already informed your landlord about the broken window? It’s also helpful to know if you’ve had any previous communication with your landlord about repairs or damages. User: I informed the landlord when I saw the window and have not had previous communication about damages The Helping Hand: Thank you for providing that information. In Rhode Island, landlords are generally responsible for r ..read more

Normally, we don’t cover non-political events happening in other states, but when you happen to be in town for the largest annual fireworks show in the nation and have the equipment on hand to film it professionally, you would be crazy not to cover it. While the mainstream media creates a circus atmosphere around the 2-minute long Kentucky Derby race, the Thunder Over Louisville (pronounced loo-uh-vull) event that precedes it flies largely under the radar outside of Kentuckiana (the name given to the area encompassing the greater Louisville and southern Indiana area). Over 700,000 people atten ..read more

User: Can my landlord add cameras in the staircase of where I live? The Helping Hand: In Rhode Island, landlords can generally install cameras in common areas like staircases for security purposes. However, they must not invade tenants’ reasonable expectation of privacy. Cameras cannot be in areas where tenants expect privacy, such as inside their apartments or in bathrooms. The use of surveillance should also comply with state laws regarding privacy and data protection. If you’re concerned about the cameras, you might want to discuss the matter with your landlord or seek legal advice to ensur ..read more

User: The landlord has not returned my deposit and I’ve been moved out for over a month. How do I get it back? The Helping Hand: Oh no, that’s definitely frustrating! Did you give your landlord a forwarding address and request the return of the deposit in writing when you moved out? Also, have you received any communication from your landlord regarding the deposit? User: no The Helping Hand: Alright, it’s important to start by formally requesting the return of your deposit in writing. You can send a certified letter to your landlord with a request for the deposit return, including your forward ..read more

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