Rhode Island Landlord-Tenant Recording Laws: Renter and Landlord Rights (2026)

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

Back to Rhode Island Recording Laws

More Rhode Island Laws

• Rhode Island AI Meeting Recording Laws
• Rhode Island Alimony Laws
• Rhode Island At-Will Employment Laws
• Rhode Island Car Accident Laws
• Rhode Island Car Seat Laws
• Rhode Island Child Custody Laws
• Rhode Island Child Support Laws
• Rhode Island Common Law Marriage Laws
• Rhode Island Data Privacy Laws
• Rhode Island Divorce Laws
• Rhode Island Dog Bite Laws
• Rhode Island Emancipation Laws
• Rhode Island Expungement Laws
• Rhode Island Hit and Run Laws
• Rhode Island Landlord-Tenant Laws
• Rhode Island Lemon Laws