Rhode Island
Rhode Island Landlord-Tenant Recording Laws: Renter and Landlord Rights (2026)
Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited August 15, 2026). · Reviewed by the RecordingLaw editorial team. · Law checked current as of August 15, 2026. · 4 primary sources cited on this page. How we verify our legal content
Rhode Island's one-party consent law, R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-35-21, allows either a tenant or landlord to record any conversation they personally join. Landlords may not install cameras inside a rental unit, though placement in common areas such as hallways and lobbies is permitted.
Rhode Island's one-party consent law under R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-35-21 allows tenants to record conversations with landlords. Both in-person and phone interactions can be recorded as long as the tenant participates and the recording is not for criminal, tortious, or injurious purposes.
This guide covers tenant recording rights, landlord surveillance rules, using recordings in Rhode Island Housing Court, and hidden camera protections.
Tenant Recording Rights
Record conversations about repairs, lease terms, harassment, and security deposits. Phone calls follow one-party consent. Rhode Island's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 34-18) governs the landlord-tenant relationship.
Landlord Surveillance
Cameras allowed in hallways, lobbies, parking lots. Not inside units, bathrooms, or changing areas. Hidden cameras in units violate § 11-64-2.
Using Recordings as Evidence
Recordings are admissible in Rhode Island Housing Court for eviction, habitability, and security deposit disputes. The Rhode Island Legal Services provides free legal help.
More Rhode Island Recording Laws
Audio Recording | Video Recording | Voyeurism & Hidden Cameras | Workplace Recording | Recording Police | Phone Call Recording | Security Cameras | Recording in Public | Landlord-Tenant | Dashcam Laws | Schools | Medical Recording
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record my landlord in Rhode Island?
Yes, under one-party consent, for conversations you participate in. Not for criminal, tortious, or injurious purposes.
Can my landlord put cameras inside my apartment?
No. Tenants have privacy expectations inside their units. Cameras only in common areas.
Can I use a recording in an eviction case?
Yes. Lawfully made recordings are admissible in Rhode Island Housing Court.
Can I install a doorbell camera at my rental?
Generally yes for interior-facing cameras. Check your lease for exterior modification rules.
What if I find a hidden camera in my rental?
Document it, contact police, and consult an attorney. Contact the Rhode Island Attorney General for resources.
Updates
Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources; governing law re-checked for recent changes
Governing law re-checked for recent changes
Reviewed and approved by an editor
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on the statutory provisions below, held in our own legal record and retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
Rhode Island General Laws, Title 11: Criminal Offenses, Chapter 11-35: Public Utilities
§ 11-35-21Unauthorized interception, disclosure or use of wire, electronic, or oral communicationIn forcecited in 17 of our articles
(a) Except as otherwise specifically provided in chapter 5.1 of title 12, any person: (1) who willfully intercepts, attempts to intercept, or procures any other person to intercept or attempt to intercept, any wire, electronic, or oral communication; (2) who willfully discloses or attempts to disclose to any person the contents of any wire, electronic, or oral communication, knowing, or having reason to know that the information was obtained through interception of a wire, electronic, or oral communication in violation of this section; or (3) who willfully uses or attempts to use the contents of any wire, electronic, or oral communication, knowing, or having reason to know, that the information was obtained through interception of a wire, electronic, or oral communication in violation of this section; shall be imprisoned for not more than five (5) years. (b) The provisions of subdivisions (a)(2) and (3) of this section shall not apply to the contents of any wire, electronic, or oral communication, or evidence derived from those contents, which has become common knowledge or public information.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-31 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at webserver.rilegislature.gov
Cited in 5 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2023
In the courts (editorial summary, independently checked):Walden v. CITY OF PROVIDENCE, RI (2010) held municipalities are not persons who may be sued under sections 11-35-21 and 12-5.1-13. The earlier Walden v. City of Providence (2007) held this section is criminal but that R.I. Gen. Laws 9-1-2 supplies a civil right of action for its violation.
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Bartnicki v. Vopper (Supreme Court of the United States 2001, 532 U.S. 514)“…Stat. § 165.540 (1997); 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5703 (2000); R. I. Gen. Laws § 11-35-21 (2000); Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-601 (…”
- Walden v. CITY OF PROVIDENCE, RI (Court of Appeals for the First Circuit 2010, 596 F.3d 38)“…te, 18 U.S.C. § 2511 et seq.; Rhode Island's wiretap laws, R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 11-35-21, 12-5.1-13; and the state'…”
- Boehner, John A. v. McDermott, James A. (Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit 1999, 191 F.3d 463)“…43 (1998); 18 Pa Cons Stat. Ann. §§ 5703, 5725 (West 1999); R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-35-21 (1998); Tenn.Code Ann. §§ 39-13-601 to…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Rhode Island Audio Recording Laws: One-Party Consent Rules and Penalties (2026), Rhode Island Dashcam Laws: Mounting, Audio, and Evidence Rules (2026), Rhode Island Medical Recording Laws: Patient Rights and HIPAA Rules (2026)
Explore the law
This article also draws on these acts and chapters (opening at their first section): Rhode Island General Laws, Title 34: Property, Chapter 34-18: Residential Landlord and Tenant Act § 34-18-1 (Short title)
Related law for further reading — not part of this article’s citations.
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Sources and References
- R.I. § 11-35-21(law.justia.com)
- RI AG(riag.ri.gov).gov
- RI Legislature(rilegislature.gov).gov
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-35-21(webserver.rilegislature.gov).gov
- R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 34-18 - Landlord-Tenant Act(webserver.rilegislature.gov).gov
- Rhode Island Legal Services(rils.org)