Fillable District Court Answer Defendant/tenant printable pdf download

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND

PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS

DISTRICT COURT

ANSWER DEFENDANT/TENANT

Division

Court Address

Civil Action Number

Plaintiff/Landlord

Plaintiff/Landlord’s Attorney

Address of Plaintiff/Landlord or Plaintiff’s Attorney

Defendant/Tenant

Address of Defendant/Tenant

INSTRUCTIONS TO THE DEFENDANT/TENANT

Listed below are several possible defenses to the eviction action your landlord has filed against you. If one or more of

these defenses apply to your case, check the appropriate box(es). If space is provided, write in facts in support of that

defense. Use additional paper if necessary. Some of these defenses are technical, and there may be others not listed here.

You may consult a lawyer and seek representation before filling out this Answer.

DEFENDANT/TENANT’S ANSWER

□

The complaint against me is untrue or fails to state the following facts: _____________________________________.

□

I have offered rent, but the plaintiff/landlord refused it. I am still able and willing to pay the rent

□

I have a defense for nonpayment because the plaintiff/landlord has failed to maintain the premises in a fit and

habitable condition.

□

My rent has not been paid, but I have a legally justifiable defense for not paying: _____________________________.

□

I have a written lease which does not expire until: ______________________________________________________.

□

I have not received the required notice from the plaintiff/landlord before this complaint was served on me.

□

The plaintiff/landlord is trying to evict me because I have exercised my legal rights by calling code enforcement

officials, or by taking the following protected action: ____________________________________________________.

□

I have other defenses as follows: ____________________________________________________________________.

WHEREFORE, because of the defense(s) indicated above, I ask the court to grant judgment in my favor and not order

me to be evicted.

COUNTERCLAIM

Instructions: If you believe that you are entitled to be awarded damages or money for any reason from the

plaintiff/landlord, you may fill out the statement below:

I hereby sue the plaintiff/landlord for the amount of $____________________.

I believe that I am entitled to receive an award of this amount because ______________________________________.

________________________________________________________________

Name of Defendant/Tenant (or Attorney)

Signature of Defendant/Tenant (or Attorney)

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address

_______________________________________________

Telephone Number

Date

DC-18 (revised March 2012)

District Court Answer Defendant/tenant

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