§ 34-18-17 - Prohibited provisions in rental agreements. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 34-18-17

   § 34-18-17  Prohibited provisions in rentalagreements. – (a) A rental agreement may not provide that the tenant:

   (1) Agrees to waive or forego rights or remedies under thischapter;

   (2) Authorizes any person to confess judgment on a claimarising out of the rental agreement;

   (3) Agrees to pay the landlord's attorney's fees inconsistentwith this chapter; or

   (4) Agrees to the exculpation or limitation of any liabilityof the landlord arising under law or to indemnify the landlord for thatliability or the costs connected with the liability.

   (b) A provision prohibited by subsection (a) included in arental agreement is unenforceable. If a landlord deliberately uses a rentalagreement containing provisions known to be prohibited, the tenant may recover,in addition to his or her actual damages, an amount up to three (3) monthsperiodic rent and reasonable attorney's fees.