Coronavirus: AG Warns Landlords Against 'Self-Help Evictions'

JOHNSTON, RI — The Attorney General's Office has issued a warning to landlords not to attempt what it called "self-help evictions" for non-payment, or any other reason, during the coronavirus health emergency. Gov. Gina Raimondo has issued a directive that all evictions in the state are on hold through a least April 15 with courts closed through at least that date.

The AG's Office characterized "self-help evictions" as the landlord taking steps, such as changing locks while residents are out and turning off of electricity, heat and water, to prevent entry or force the departure from a rental property. Only court-approved evictions are legal in the state, with Gov. Raimondo saying this week those are not happening anytime soon.

"This ongoing public health crisis is difficult for everyone, and I understand that there are landlords who might be frustrated if they have a tenant that may owe them money and the usual court process is not presently available to them," said Attorney General Peter F. Neronha. "But that does not mean that they can simply ignore the law and take matters into their own hands, with all the accompanying problems."

The AG's Office said landlords who engage in this conduct may face civil or criminal penalties. This applies to both residential and commercial landlords.

"We heard about a woman whose landlord cut the power to her Providence apartment, whose landlord cut the power to her Providence apartment, where she lived with her 7-year-old daughter. While the tenant was out trying to find another apartment, the landlord changed the locks and threw out all her remaining belongings," said Neronha. "This type of conduct is what we are concerned about."

Neronha said that while municipal solicitors are typically responsible for investigating and prosecuting the misdemeanor criminal offenses that are likely to arise from self-help evictions, the AG's Office is prepared to prosecute these matters in the District Court if that is a municipality’s preference. The Office is also prepared to provide local law enforcement and city and town solicitors with further direction if a prosecution is initiated as a result of this guidance.

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