A Rhode Island lease termination letter (30-day notice) is a notice a landlord or tenant provides to inform the other party of their intent to end a month-to-month tenancy. If the initiating party issues at least 30 days’ notice, they don’t have to give a reason for the termination. According to state law, the recipient will have to respect the notice.
If the tenant doesn’t quit the property within the notice period, the landlord can pursue an eviction lawsuit and obtain a court order demanding the tenant to leave.
Governing Law — RI Gen. Laws § 34-18-37(b) and § 34-18-56(c).
Reasons to Use a 30-Day Notice to Vacate
Here are a couple of common reasons to use a 30-day notice to vacate:
- Property Renovation: A landlord may want to renovate the property, which can make it unliveable for the tenant. The landlord can issue a notice to vacate to give the tenant time to find somewhere else to live.
- The Decision to Not Renew the Lease: Once a 30-day rental period ends, either party may want to not renew the lease. The landlord may want family members to move in instead, or the tenant may want to try living in another city. A 30-day notice grants flexibility and provides fair notice.
