Mixed — read the details
Breaking a lease in Rhode Island
The mitigation question
Good news
Your landlord must make reasonable efforts to re-rent — you owe the gap, not the whole remainder. Yes, arguable/common-law — attorney guidance states the landlord must make reasonable attempts to re-let; § 34-18-43 caps the landlord at actual damages. No express statute — caveat.
Your protected exits
- Military. SCRA baseline (50 U.S.C. § 3955); no Rhode Island state extension verified. Guide →
- Domestic violence. None enacted as of 2026-10-11 — S0738 (2025) and H7199 (2026) bills pending with ongoing advocacy. none enacted Guide →
- Uninhabitable conditions. R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-28 — written notice specifying the breach materially affecting health/safety; termination on a date not less than 30 days after receipt if not remedied within 20 days.
- Condemnation or natural disaster rendering the unit uninhabitable — lease ends (per secondary source citing § 34-18-22 — verify further)
Notice periods
| Situation | Rule |
|---|
| Dv | none enacted |
| Habitability | written notice + 20 days to remedy; termination ≥30 days after notice |
| Military | SCRA baseline |
Early-termination fees
Reported (confirm with a licensed attorney):
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Not legal advice. This page is general information about landlord-tenant law, not advice about your situation. Laws change and procedures vary by county. For advice about your lease, consult a licensed attorney in your state — many legal aid offices help renters free.