Rhode Island General Laws 34-20-10. Unlawful termination of tenancy in general
When proceedings commenced under this chapter are to regain possession of the premises following the alleged termination of a tenancy, if the defendant alleges in his or her answer and if it appears by a preponderance of the evidence that any of the following situations exist, judgment shall be entered for the defendant:
(1) That the alleged termination was intended as a penalty for the defendant’s justified attempt to secure or enforce rights under a lease or contract, or under the laws of the state or its governmental subdivisions, or of the United States.
(2) That the alleged termination was intended as a penalty for the defendant’s justified complaint to a governmental authority with a report of plaintiff‘s violation of any health or safety code or ordinance.
(3) That the alleged termination was intended as a penalty for any other justified lawful act of the defendant.
(4) That the alleged termination was a tenancy in housing operated by a city, town, municipal housing authority, or other unit of a local government, and was terminated without cause.
History of Section.
P.L. 1968, ch. 55, § 1.
Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 34-20-10
- Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
- Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
- Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
- Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Lease: A contract transferring the use of property or occupancy of land, space, structures, or equipment in consideration of a payment (e.g., rent). Source: OCC
- Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
- town: may be construed to include city; the words "town council" include city council; the words "town clerk" include city clerk; the words "ward clerk" include clerk of election district; the words "town treasurer" include city treasurer; and the words "town sergeant" include city sergeant. See Rhode Island General Laws 43-3-9
- United States: include the several states and the territories of the United States. See Rhode Island General Laws 43-3-8