Does Rhode Island have a junk fee law?
Quick answer
Yes, but it is narrow. Since January 1, 2026, Rhode Island treats advertising live-event tickets or short-term lodging without the all-in price required by the FTC fee rule (16 C.F.R. Part 464) as a deceptive trade practice. Civil penalties reach $10,000 per violation, and customers can sue for $500 or actual damages.
Key facts and official sources
| Item | What the law says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Law | R.I. Gen. Laws 6-13.1-1(6)(xxi), added by 2025 Public Laws chapter 372 (S 0017 Sub A) | Official source |
| Effective | January 1, 2026 | Official source |
| Covers | Advertising, displaying or offering a price for live-event tickets or short-term lodging in violation of 16 C.F.R. Part 464 | Official source |
| Federal rule it follows | Show the total price clearly and more prominently than other pricing; disclose excluded charges and the final amount before payment | Official source |
| State civil penalty | Up to $10,000 per violation (R.I. Gen. Laws 6-13.1-8) | Official source |
| Private suits | Personal or household buyers with a loss: actual damages or $500, whichever is greater; court may award three times actual damages (6-13.1-5.2) | Official source |
| Last verified | October 18, 2026 | Astor Ventures |
Who does the Rhode Island law cover?
Businesses that advertise or sell live-event tickets (concerts, sports, theater) or short-term lodging (hotels, motels, vacation rentals, home shares). It does not create a general all-in price rule for restaurants or retail; those businesses are still subject to Rhode Island's general ban on deceptive practices.
What does the FTC fee rule require?
Under 16 C.F.R. Part 464, any price shown must be the total price, shown more prominently than other pricing information. Taxes, shipping and optional add-ons can be left out of that total, but must be disclosed with the final amount before the customer pays. Fees cannot be misrepresented (FTC FAQ).
What are the penalties in Rhode Island?
The Attorney General can seek a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per violation (6-13.1-8). A consumer who loses money can sue for actual damages or $500, whichever is greater, and the court may award up to three times actual damages (6-13.1-5.2). The federal rule also applies on its own.
What should a short-term rental host or ticket seller do?
- Show the nightly or ticket price with every mandatory fee (cleaning, resort, service fees) included.
- Leave out only taxes and optional extras, and show them with the final amount before payment.
- Describe each fee honestly; avoid vague names like “service fee” without explanation.
- Check listings on every platform you use.
Compare other states on junk fee laws by state.
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FAQ
When did Rhode Island's junk fee rule start?
January 1, 2026 (2025 Public Laws chapter 372).
Does it apply to restaurants or stores?
No. It covers live-event tickets and short-term lodging only, though general deceptive-practice rules still apply to everyone.
What is the fine?
Up to $10,000 per violation in an Attorney General action (R.I. Gen. Laws 6-13.1-8). Customers can also sue for $500 or actual damages.
Do Airbnb or Vrbo hosts count?
The FTC lists vacation rentals and home shares offered through platforms as covered short-term lodging, so hosts should show all-in prices.
Is there a Rhode Island junk fee kit?
No. Our Rhode Island kit covers the non-owner occupied property tax, a different law.
Is this legal advice?
No. This is general information, not legal advice.