Rhode Island Commercial Lease Agreement
A Rhode Island commercial lease agreement is a legally binding contract that allows a business tenant to rent commercial space from a landlord. This agreement outlines essential terms and conditions that govern the rental relationship.
Rhode Island Commercial Lease Agreement
Rental Laws
The rental laws applicable to commercial leases in Rhode Island are governed by:
- Title 6A, Chapter 6A-2.1: Rhode Island Uniform Commercial Code
- Title 34, Chapter 18.1: Commercial Leasing and Other Estates
These laws establish the framework for commercial leasing practices in the state.
Consumer Protection Laws
In addition to rental laws, commercial leases must also adhere to consumer protection laws as specified in:
- RI Gen. Laws § 6A-2.1-104
This statute provides guidelines to ensure fair treatment of tenants in commercial leasing agreements.
Jurisdiction
According to RI Gen. Laws § 6A-2.1-106, the choice of law provision in a lease agreement is unenforceable if it originates from a jurisdiction that differs from the residence of the lessee. This means that the governing law of the lease must align with the location of the tenant’s residence.
Additional Considerations
Before entering into a lease agreement, landlords typically conduct a Rhode Island Business Entity Search to verify the tenant’s business and perform background checks. This step is crucial for ensuring the credibility and reliability of the tenant.
Statutes
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-13 – Limitation of actions generally – Product liability
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(a) – Security deposits
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(c) – Security deposits
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(b – Security deposits
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-15(c) – [Effective 1/1/2025] Terms and conditions of rental agreement
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-15(5) – [Effective 1/1/2025] Terms and conditions of rental agreement
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-16.1 – Rent increases – notice requirements
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 6-42-3 – Cause of action – Damages
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-31 – Wrongful failure to supply heat, water, hot water, or essential services
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-30 – Self-help for limited repairs
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-38 – Eviction for unlawfully holding over after termination or expiration of tenancy
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-40 – Remedies for abandonment
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-15(e) – [Effective 1/1/2025] Terms and conditions of rental agreement
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-15(4) – [Effective 1/1/2025] Terms and conditions of rental agreement
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-56 – Notices and complaint forms
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-37(a) – Termination of periodic tenancy
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-37(b) – Termination of periodic tenancy
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-37(c) – Termination of periodic tenancy
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-36(f) – Eviction for noncompliance with rental agreement
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-36 – Eviction for noncompliance with rental agreement
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-39 – Failure to maintain
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-35 – Eviction for nonpayment of rent
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-26(a) – Access
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-26(b) – Access
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-26(c) – Access
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-27 – Tenant to use and occupy
- R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-34 – Tenant’s remedies for landlord’s unlawful ouster, exclusion, or diminution of service
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-20 – Disclosure
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-22.1 – Landlord’s duty to notify tenant of violation
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-37-1 – Finding and declaration of policy
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-22 – Landlord to maintain premises
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-24 – Tenant to maintain dwelling unit
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 21-28-4.06 – Prohibited acts F – Places used for unlawful sale, use, or keeping of controlled substances
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-46 – Retaliatory conduct prohibited
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-22.2 – Landlord’s duty regarding compliance with zoning and minimum housing laws
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-57 – Providence and Warwick Absentee Landlord Enforcement Act
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-13 – Limitation of actions generally – Product liability
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-16.1 – Rent Increase Notice
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-59 – Fair limitation on rental application fees
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-21 – Landlord to deliver possession of dwelling unit
FAQs
A Rhode Island commercial lease agreement is a legally binding contract that allows a business tenant to rent commercial space from a landlord. It outlines essential terms such as rent amount, insurance requirements, renewal periods, subleasing policies, and the responsibilities of both parties.
Key requirements for a commercial lease in Rhode Island include adherence to Title 6A, Chapter 6A-2.1 of the Rhode Island Uniform Commercial Code and Title 34, Chapter 18.1 concerning Commercial Leasing. Additionally, landlords may conduct background checks on tenants to verify their business.
According to RI Gen. Laws § 6A-2.1-106, the choice of law in a lease is unenforceable if it originates from a jurisdiction different from the residence of the lessee. This means that the lease must comply with Rhode Island laws if the tenant resides there.
Consumer protection laws relevant to commercial leases in Rhode Island include RI Gen. Laws § 6A-2.1-104. These laws help ensure fair treatment and protect the rights of tenants in commercial leasing agreements.
Before entering a commercial lease agreement, landlords typically verify the tenant’s business and conduct background checks. This helps ensure that the tenant is reliable and capable of fulfilling the lease terms.
The Rhode Island commercial lease agreement outlines penalties for breaches, which can include financial penalties or termination of the lease. Specific penalties depend on the terms agreed upon in the lease contract.
Subleasing policies are typically included in the Rhode Island commercial lease agreement. Tenants should review their lease terms to determine if subleasing is permitted and under what conditions.