Rhode Island General Laws Title 34. Property § 34-20-10. Unlawful termination of tenancy in general

(1) That the alleged termination was intended as a penalty for the defendant's justified attempt to secure or enforce rights under a lease or contract, or under the laws of the state or its governmental subdivisions, or of the United States.

(2) That the alleged termination was intended as a penalty for the defendant's justified complaint to a governmental authority with a report of plaintiff's violation of any health or safety code or ordinance.

(3) That the alleged termination was intended as a penalty for any other justified lawful act of the defendant.

(4) That the alleged termination was a tenancy in housing operated by a city, town, municipal housing authority, or other unit of a local government, and was terminated without cause.