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Free tool · Rhode Island

Is my HOA fine valid in Rhode Island?

For Rhode Island condominiums, the statute requires notice and an opportunity for a hearing before any fine, and caps residential fines at $100 a day (or $500 for a non-daily fine). Non-condo HOAs run on the declaration.

This is general information, not legal advice, and it does not decide whether your fine is valid. For your specific situation, a licensed Rhode Island attorney is the right resource.

Check your notice

Answer a few questions about the Rhode Island fine or violation notice you received, and see how it compares to what the law requires.

Question 1

1.Were you given notice and an opportunity for a hearing before the fine was imposed?

Question 2

2.For a residential condominium, is a daily fine more than $100 a day, or a non-daily fine more than $500?

Question 3

3.If yours is a non-condo HOA, does your declaration, bylaws, or adopted rules authorize this fine and procedure?

Answer all questions to see your result.

What Rhode Island law requires before an HOA can fine you

Governing framework: Rhode Island Condominium Act (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-36.1).

For condominiums, notice and the opportunity for a hearing must be provided to the alleged violator before a fine is imposed and assessed.

“Notice and the opportunity for a hearing must be provided to an alleged violator before a fine is imposed and assessed.” — R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-36.1-3.20

Statute: R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-36.1-3.20

For residential condominiums, daily fines are capped at $100 per day and non-daily fines at $500 (higher caps apply to commercial condominiums).

Statute: R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-36.1-3.20

For non-condo HOAs, § 34-36.1 generally doesn’t apply; fine authority and any cap or procedure come from the declaration, bylaws, and adopted rules, with the Nonprofit Corporation Act as a backstop.

Statute: declaration; R.I. Gen. Laws § 7-6

Go deeper on Rhode Island HOA law

Sources

Not legal advice.This article is general information based on publicly available state law, which can change and varies by state. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Your community's governing documents may impose additional requirements. Verify the current statutes and consult a licensed attorney in your state about your specific situation.