Rhode Island § 31-44-17 - Mobile and Manufactured Homes

§ 31-44-17. Filing of complaint with department — Notice — Rules of evidence not binding.

(a) Any resident of a mobile and manufactured housing park or any owner of a mobile and manufactured housing park may petition the director by filing a complaint with the department of business regulation. After review of the claim and a decision by the director that the matter has merit and is not frivolous, the director shall schedule a hearing within sixty (60) days from receipt of the claim. If the director finds the claim to be without merit or to be frivolous, the director shall dismiss the complaint and explain in writing to the complainant his or her reasons for dismissing the complaint.

(b) The director, or his or her agent, shall serve notice, in writing, of the time and place of the hearing upon all appropriate parties at least twenty (20) days prior to the date of the hearing. Both parties to the complaint may be represented by counsel.

(c) The director, or his or her agent, shall not be bound by common law or statutory rules of evidence but may admit all testimony having a reasonable probative value. Complaints filed shall be handled in accordance with the departments’ rules of practice and the administrative procedures act, chapter 35 of title 42. It may exclude evidence which, in the opinion of the director or his or her agent, is immaterial, irrelevant, or unduly repetitious.