§ 34-18-29 - Failure to deliver possession. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 34-18-29

   § 34-18-29  Failure to deliver possession.– (a) If the landlord fails to deliver possession of the dwelling unit to thetenant as provided in § 34-18-21, rent abates until possession isdelivered and the tenant may:

   (1) Terminate the rental agreement upon at least five (5)days' written notice to the landlord, and, upon termination, the landlord shallreturn all prepaid rent and security; or

   (2) Demand performance of the rental agreement by thelandlord and, if the tenant elects, bring action for possession of the dwellingunit against the landlord.

   (b) If a person's failure to deliver possession is willfuland not in good faith, an aggrieved person may recover from that person anamount not more than three (3) months' periodic rent or threefold the actualdamages sustained, whichever is greater, and reasonable attorney's fees.