As one of the original 13 colonies that ultimately declared independence from Britain and became a U.S. state, Rhode Island is the home to thousands of historic buildings, many from the 19th and 18th centuries. Historic communal buildings, such as schools, municipal complexes, and churches, are often the last remaining…
Cities and towns across the state have established laws and regulations to preserve their general aesthetic. The Town of Providence has a rule prohibiting billboards and electronic billboards within municipal borders. Anyone who has been to providence could attest that there are most certainly both billboards and electronic billboards in…
Rhode Island law dictates what responsibilities landlords and tenants each have to maintain the property in a livable condition. The state of Rhode Island has published a landlord-tenant handbook that notes the relevant laws pertaining to these responsibilities. Damage caused to a rental home and the contents thereof may be…
Real estate purchase and sales agreements in Rhode Island are generally drafted and reviewed by several real estate law experts to ensure that each party’s rights and obligations are clear and unambiguous so that the contract can be easily enforced in the event of a breach or default. When contract…
Over the last century, the Rhode Island coastline has evolved from large estates used for agricultural and industrial purposes into a vibrant, year-round beach destination. A necessary consequence of this development includes the subdivision of larger parcels into smaller lots for residential and commercial development. As larger beachfront parcels are…
Developing a large real estate project in Rhode Island can be a complicated, time-consuming, and expensive process. Securing financing and obtaining zoning and other permits can be tricky, and the success or failure of a proposed development often relies on the decisions of municipal councils, zoning boards, or other administrative…
Golf courses and country clubs often incorporate residential housing developments within or adjacent to the club borders. Many Rhode Island residents may desire to live along a golf course, as the easy access and social benefits of such an arrangement are desirable for golf enthusiasts and socialites alike. Houses located…
The purchase, sale, and transfer of real estate assets in Rhode Island are governed by specific regulations and statutes that are designed to protect the rights of all parties to a sales agreement. Many things can happen between an agreement being reached and the closing that can derail a real…
Some of the most common types of cases currently coming through Rhode Island administrative boards and courts involve the request for a dimensional variance to expand or modify an existing home structure. As demonstrated in previous posts on our blog, the opinion of the municipal zoning board is given great…
Rhode Island coastal communities often contain lots and structures of various sizes and shapes that have been developed inconsistently over time. As zoning, safety, and environmental regulations change, existing buildings may become noncompliant with current regulations. Although new regulations cannot generally be used to make a preexisting property illegal, owners…