District court parties may appeal civil judgments to Superior Court

A party may appeal a district court judgment in a civil case to Superior Court for a trial on all legal and factual issues. This applies to civil cases in the district court and to the county where the case is pending. The appealing party must file a written appeal with the district court clerk. The party must pay all required costs, including a $50 attorney fee for the opposing party or parties. Costs must include at least $25, apart from the attorney fee, plus a $75 filing fee that includes the civil case processing fee and technology surcharge. The appeal must be filed within two days after judgment is entered, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays; the act states that these provisions take effect January 1, 2027.

A party may appeal a landlord-tenant judgment from the district or other appropriate court to Superior Court for a trial on all legal and factual issues. This applies to civil actions brought under Rhode Island's landlord-tenant law and heard in the district court or another appropriate court. The appealing party must file a written appeal with the clerk. The party must pay all required costs, including a $50 attorney fee for the opposing party or parties. Costs must include at least $25, apart from the attorney fee, plus a $75 filing fee that includes the civil case processing fee and technology surcharge. The appeal must be filed within five days after judgment is entered, counting Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays; the act states that this provision takes effect January 1, 2027.