Rhode Island Landlord-Tenant Recording Laws: Renter and Landlord Rights (2026)
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
Sources and References
- R.I. § 11-35-21(law.justia.com)
- RI AG(riag.ri.gov).gov
- RI Legislature(rilegislature.gov).gov