Rhode Island General Laws

R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-20.6-1 (2026)

Legislative purpose

✓ current as of July 2026

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(a) The way that consumers buy, sell, rent, exchange, and otherwise transfer real estate has changed over the years. The purpose of this legislation is to provide consumers with choice.

(b) This chapter is intended to abrogate the common law of agency relative to relationships in regulated real estate transactions to the extent that they are inconsistent with this chapter.

(c) Unless otherwise specified by written agreement, a licensee owes only those duties and obligations set forth under this chapter, chapter 20.5 of this title, and the regulations promulgated thereunder. A licensee does not owe a fiduciary duty under the common law of agency to his or her clients and is not subject to equitable remedies for breach of fiduciary duty.

(d) Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit a principal broker and his or her affiliated licensees from entering into a written representation contract with a buyer, seller, tenant, or landlord that creates a relationship in which the duties and obligations are greater than those provided in this chapter.

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 2 cases, 2004–2013 · leading case: Wallace v. United States, 335 F. Supp. 2d 252 (D.R.I. 2004).

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Wallace v. United States, 335 F. Supp. 2d 252 (D.R.I. 2004). · cites it 10× “, negligence, breach of contract, and violations of R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-20.6-1 et seq. and R.I.”

The Wampanoag Grp., LLC v.James A. Iacoi, 68 A.3d 519 (R.I. 2013). · cites it 2× “Cioe argues that the agents could not have breached a fiduciary duty by failing to properly review the leases because, under G.L.1956 § 5-20.6-1, a real estate agent cannot assume such a duty unless it is in writing.”

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