Rhode Island is a non-judicial foreclosure state with a relatively fast timeline of approximately 60 to 90 days and no post-sale right of redemption. Despite its small size, Rhode Island has one of the highest foreclosure rates in New England. With markets concentrated in Providence County (Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket) and Kent County (Warwick, Cranston), Rhode Island offers urban and suburban foreclosure inventory in a dense New England market with strong Boston commuter demand.
Rhode Island uses non-judicial power-of-sale foreclosure under R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-27-1 et seq. The lender publishes notice of sale in a local newspaper for 3 consecutive weeks before the sale date. Notice is also mailed to the borrower. The sale is conducted at the property or at a designated public location. Full cash payment required at or shortly after the sale. No post-sale right of redemption after a Rhode Island non-judicial foreclosure sale.
Providence County (Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, North Providence) — Largest market by far. Providence is Rhode Island’s capital and only major city. Brown University, RISD, and hospital complex drive the Providence economy. Active foreclosure market across diverse Providence neighborhoods. Woonsocket and Pawtucket have significant entry-level distressed inventory at very affordable prices. Kent County (Warwick, Cranston) — Providence suburbs. More conventional suburban market. T.F. Green Airport drives some commercial economy. Active foreclosure inventory. Washington County (South Kingstown, Narragansett) — University of Rhode Island market. Coastal communities. Active pre-foreclosure pipeline. Bristol County — Small county, affordable prices, active foreclosure inventory.
Title search through the city or town recorder (Rhode Island uses city/town-level land records, not county) before every bid. Senior liens survive the sale. Tax status: check with the city or town tax collector — Rhode Island municipalities levy property taxes. Providence has some of the highest property tax rates in New England; research tax costs carefully on any Providence property. Environmental: Rhode Island’s industrial history creates contamination concerns in Woonsocket, Pawtucket, and Providence industrial areas. Lead paint: Rhode Island’s older housing stock — most Providence triple-deckers and mill-era housing were built before 1978 — has significant lead paint presence; strict RI lead laws apply to rentals.
Trustee sale: Full cash at sale. Hard money pre-arranged. Pre-foreclosure/REO: Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA (limited rural areas). Rhode Island Housing offers FirstHomes programs with down payment assistance.
Land.net has tracked foreclosure listings since 1996. Browse our Rhode Island foreclosure listings updated daily.