Providence County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)
Everything Rhode Island landlords need to file a Trespass and Ejectment in Providence County — fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.
🏛️ Providence County Courthouse Information
- Courthouse: Providence County Courthouse
- Address: 250 Benefit St., Providence, RI 02903
- Phone: (401) 222-3250
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Case type: Trespass and Ejectment
⚠️ Providence County — What Landlords Should Know
Providence County uses District Court for evictions. Rhode Island has strong tenant protections.
Need an Eviction Attorney in Providence County?
Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Providence County eviction attorney — free consultation.
Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Providence County
Serve the Required Notice
Before filing, you must serve a written notice. For non-payment of rent, a 5-day Pay or Quit notice is required. For lease violations, serve a 20-day Cure or Quit notice. Make sure the notice is properly formatted and personally served or posted per Rhode Island law.
File Your Trespass and Ejectment at Providence County Courthouse
After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Providence County Courthouse (250 Benefit St., Providence, RI 02903). The filing fee is $80. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service.
Serve the Summons on the Tenant
After filing, the court issues a summons. In Providence County, service is typically handled by the Sheriff's office or a licensed process server for a fee of $30. You must NOT serve the summons yourself — improper service can get your case dismissed.
Attend the Court Hearing
Hearings in Providence County are typically scheduled 3–5 weeks after filing. Attend with all documentation: lease, notices, payment records, and proof of service. If the tenant doesn't appear, you may receive a default judgment. Come prepared to present your case clearly.
Obtain and Enforce the Writ of Possession
After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the clerk. The Rhode Island Sheriff's office will serve the writ and oversee removal if the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily. Do NOT change locks or remove property yourself — this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in Rhode Island.
Providence County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $80 | Paid to Providence County Clerk of Court |
| Summons Service | $30 | Sheriff or process server fee |
| Writ of Possession | ~$26–$30 | Sheriff enforcement after judgment |
| Attorney (optional) | $750–$3000 | Strongly recommended — strong tenant protections |
Frequently Asked Questions — Providence County Evictions
How long does an eviction take in Providence County?
The typical Providence County eviction takes 4–8 weeks from serving the initial notice to enforcement — assuming the tenant does not contest. A contested eviction can take significantly longer. Providence County has stronger tenant protections that can extend the timeline.
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Providence County?
The court filing fee in Providence County is $80. Additional costs typically include: process service or sheriff fee ($30), Writ of Possession enforcement (~$26–$30), and attorney fees if represented ($750–$3000). Total out-of-pocket without an attorney is typically $136–$140.
What court handles evictions in Providence County?
Evictions in Providence County are filed at the Providence County Courthouse, located at 250 Benefit St., Providence, RI 02903. The case type is filed as a Trespass and Ejectment.
Can I file an eviction online in Providence County?
Providence County does not currently offer online filing for eviction cases. You must file in person at the Providence County Courthouse.
Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Providence County?
Rhode Island law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, Providence County has strong tenant protections, making procedural errors costly — an attorney is strongly recommended.
What happens if the tenant doesn't leave after the eviction judgment in Providence County?
After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Providence County Sheriff's office will then execute the writ — notifying the tenant to vacate, and physically removing them if they refuse. Do NOT attempt to remove the tenant yourself; self-help eviction is illegal in Rhode Island.
See full Rhode Island eviction laws and notice requirements.
Rhode Island Eviction Guide for Landlords →Download the eviction notice you must serve before filing in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island Eviction Notice Templates →Is your tenant facing eviction in Providence County? See their rights.
Tenant Rights in Providence County →Relevant Rhode Island Statutes
- Primary eviction statute: R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-36
- This guide is for informational purposes only. Laws change — verify with current Rhode Island statutes or a licensed Providence County attorney.