National Eviction

How long does an eviction take in Rhode Island?

For landlords and property managers · Updated September 2026

A typical uncontested eviction for unpaid rent in Rhode Island takes about 6 to 9 weeks.

From our Rhode Island guide: “An uncontested nonpayment case commonly takes six to nine weeks from the rent due date to a completed move-out; contested cases take longer.”

If the tenant contests: Contested cases take longer (no specific figure given).

The Rhode Island eviction timeline, step by step

Calendar days for a nonpayment case the tenant does not contest. Business and court days are converted to calendar days.

  1. 1Notice for unpaid rent

    20 to 21 days

    From serving the notice until you can file.

    Rent 15 days late, 5-day demand, file on 6th day after mailing

    From our guide: “Rent 15 days late, then 5-day demandAbout 20 days from the due date” and “Earliest date complaint can be filed: 6th day after the demand is mailed”

  2. 2Court case

    14 to 24 days

    From filing through service and the answer period or first hearing, to a judgment for possession.

    Hearing 14 to 24 days after filing

    From our guide: “Nonpayment hearing: 14 to 24 days after filing, set on the summons”

  3. 3Judgment to possession

    6 days

    Any waiting period before the writ issues, plus the officer's notice before the lockout.

    Execution issues on the 6th day after judgment

    From our guide: “Execution: 6th day after judgment if unpaid and no appeal”

What can slow it down

  • A nonpayment case cannot be filed unless the rental unit is currently registered with the Rhode Island Department of Health.
  • A defective notice is the most common reason a case is dismissed and has to start over. Check the form and the delivery method in the full guide before you serve it.
  • A tenant who files an answer, raises a defense or appeals adds hearings and waiting periods. Busy urban dockets can add weeks at every stage.
  • Never change the locks or shut off utilities yourself. Self-help eviction is illegal in every state and can cost more than the unpaid rent.

Read the full Rhode Island eviction guide, with the statute or rule behind each step.

Rhode Island scores 7 of 10 on our landlord-friendly states map (balanced).

Compare eviction timelines in every state.

This timeline is general information for landlords, not legal advice. Deadlines change and courts vary by county. Confirm current rules with a licensed Rhode Island attorney before acting.