State Specific Question About: RHODE ISLAND (RI)

I am somewhat new to being a landlord. I have owned a two tenament home in which I live on the first floor for three years and am having difficulties with the current tenants which are the third ones. They pay their rent mostly on time or just a few days late. The problem lies with the noisy conditions after 9 pm and the drucken parties and I also suspect that I have smelled pot. We call and ask to be quiter very politely. Sometimes they are and sometimes not. They have many people stay over sometimes for weeks at a time when we only ask them to let us know if someone stays more that a few days in case of a fire we can tell someone how many people are there to get out. The 12 month lease asks to be quiet after 9 pm and to inform us of stay overes. It states that if no new lease is signed then they are presumed to be on a month to month with the same lease terms. After them being here for 16 months we gave them a Notice of Rent Increase of $30.00 a month to help recover the water & sewer costs from the extra showeres being taken, etc.. They refused to sign it and said they would move and begin looking for somewhere else. In the last two days I have not been able to sleep because they are making more excessive noise than ever before. My income is very limited and I need advice.

Thanks,

Sandy,

I say file an eviction with the local U.S. Marshalls (or an equivalent local affiliate). Check you local laws for this. I would proceed quickly and make sure that you don't "cry wolf", and act on your threats. I have made many mistakes, so don't feel too bad. We live and learn. Please do not allow them to take advantage of you any longer. I plan to use a property manager in the near future.

Sincerely,