Rhode Island § 34-37-2 - Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 34-37-2 — Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 34-37-2. Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act
R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-37-2
§ 34-37-2. Right to equal housing opportunities — Civil rights.
The right of all individuals in the state to equal housing opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, lawful source of income, military status as a veteran with an honorable discharge or an honorable or general administrative discharge, servicemember in the armed forces, country of ancestral origin, disability, age, familial status, or regardless of the fact that a tenant or applicant or a member of the household is, or has been, or is threatened with being the victim of domestic abuse, or that the tenant or applicant has obtained, or sought, or is seeking, relief from any court in the form of a restraining order for protection from domestic abuse, is hereby recognized as, and declared to be, a civil right. Nothing in this section shall prevent a landlord from proceeding with eviction action against a tenant who fails to comply with § 34-18-24(7).
History of Section.
P.L. 1965, ch. 27, § 1; P.L. 1977, ch. 214, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 144, § 3; P.L. 1988,
ch. 455, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 398, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 32, § 2; P.L. 1997, ch. 150,
§ 8; P.L. 2001, ch. 340, § 2; P.L. 2002, ch. 118, § 2; P.L. 2002, ch. 224, § 2; P.L.
2015, ch. 161, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 180, § 1; P.L. 2021, ch. 3, § 1, effective April
15, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 4, § 1, effective April 15, 2021.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 34-37-2
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 34-37-2 cover?
Section 34-37-2 ("Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 34-37-2?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 34-37-2" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 34-37-2 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.