All about tenant rep / RTC efforts in Providence and Rhode Island
In 2026, The City of Providence is planning to infuse $500,000 into an eviction defense program after previously allocating $1 million over the past 5 years in pandemic and non-pandemic funding. According to the Providence Eye, there were more than 7,000 filings filed in Rhode Island in 2024 (exceeding pre-pandemic levels) and that half were in Providence, Pawtucket and Central Falls. The State of Rhode Island provided $3.1 million in 2023 and 2024 for eviction defense, and Rhode Island Legal Services received one of HUD’s Eviction Protection Grant Program grants in 2025. The article also notes that “This year, Senate Bill 2972 would have introduced a right to counsel in Rhode Island, but the bill was held for committee on April 28, 2026. Neighbors Welcome! RI testified in support of the bill because the program could save money for tenants as well as housing providers.” Unfortunately, SB 2972 died in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
A cross-filed bill, HB 8141, would have accomplished the same thing as its Senate counterpart. The House bill also died in Committee (House Judiciary) during the 2026 legislative session.
The NCCRC has supported advocates pursuing the statewide RTC. It also provided technical and drafting assistance in support of the HB 8141, as well as submitted supportive testimony.
