Rhode Island Legal Services
Housing, benefits, foreclosure, consumer debt, family and veterans projects. Providence and Newport offices.
Official page: rils.org
Free Legal and Tenant Help in Rhode Island: Evictions, Benefits and Fair Housing
Where to find free legal help in Rhode Island for evictions, foreclosure, benefits, fair housing and criminal records, with Rhode Island Legal Services, Help RI Law, RIHousing and the Public Defender.
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Hi friend. If you got court papers or a notice from your landlord, don't ignore it. Free legal help is out there, and the sooner you call, the more choices you may have.
Quick answers
Where can I get free legal help?
Rhode Island Legal Services helps low income people with civil legal problems. Call 401 274 2652 for the Providence office at 56 Pine Street, 4th floor, or 401 846 2264 for the Newport office at 50 Washington Square. You can apply for help online. Applying does not mean they can take your case, but they will contact you if you may qualify.
Official page: rils.org
I got an eviction notice. What do I do?
Don't ignore it. Help RI Law has guides on eviction for nonpayment of rent, eviction for breaking the rental agreement, and a handbook on landlord and tenant law. It also has Housing Court forms. Then call legal aid at 401 274 2652. These guides are general information, not legal advice for your case.
Official page: helprilaw.org/topics/50/evictions
What if I think a landlord treated me unfairly because of who I am?
Federal fair housing law bans discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability and family status. Rhode Island law protects more people, including by marital status, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, and status as a domestic abuse victim. Rhode Island Legal Services runs a fair housing site.
Official page: rifairhousing.org
Is there help with a mortgage or foreclosure?
The RIHousing HelpCenter offers free and confidential counseling about foreclosure and coping with the loss of a home. Call 401 457 1130. This number comes from the Food Bank's resource directory. Legal aid can also help homeowners at risk of foreclosure.
Official page: rifoodbank.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Regional-Directory-Final.pdf
Can I seal or clear my criminal record?
The Rhode Island Public Defender has a guide to expungement and sealing of criminal records, to help you see if you may be eligible. It also has a guide on your rights during police encounters and on early termination of probation.
Official page: ripd.org
Your next steps
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Bunkly tip: take a photo of every notice from your landlord and every rent receipt. Put the photos in an email to yourself so you can't lose them.
Who to call in Rhode Island
Here are official places to start. Other places may also help. Each place decides who it can serve, and hours change, so call ahead when you can.
Help RI Law
Guides on evictions, landlord and tenant law, benefits, consumer problems and court forms.
Official page: helprilaw.org/topics/50/evictions
Rhode Island Fair Housing, Legal Services Housing Unit
Information on fair housing law and tenant rights from Rhode Island Legal Services.
Official page: rifairhousing.org
City of Providence Housing and Human Services
City housing and human services programs. General questions at 401 680 5000.
Official page: providenceri.gov/housing-human-services
RIHousing HelpCenter
Free, confidential counseling about foreclosure.
Official page: rifoodbank.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Regional-Directory-Final.pdf
Rhode Island Public Defender
Guides on expungement, sealing, probation and your rights.
Official page: ripd.org
Rhode Island Judiciary
Court forms, case lookup and information on access to justice.
Official page: courts.ri.gov
More help in Rhode Island
Housing help in Rhode Island (rent, eviction, utilities)Find Help in Rhode Island: Where to Start with 211, SNAP, Health Coverage and IDEmergency Shelter Tonight in Rhode Island: Providence, Westerly and How to Get HelpNo cost Food Help in Rhode Island: SNAP, WIC and Food BanksNo cost Clothing, Showers and Hygiene Help in Rhode IslandFree Job Help and Job Training in Rhode IslandFree and Low Cost Health and Mental Health Help in Rhode IslandDomestic Violence Help, Safety and Housing in Rhode IslandHelp for Veterans in Rhode Island: Housing, Crisis Support and BenefitsHelp for Youth and Young Adults in Rhode Island: Drop In Centers, Shelter and Crisis LinesGetting ID and Documents Back in Rhode Island: Birth Certificate, State ID and Social Security CardFree and Low Cost Phone and Internet Help in Rhode IslandHow to Make Blessing Bags in Rhode Island: Water, Warmth and a Help Card
Sources last checked Oct 28, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or housing. Each person chooses which options to use.