Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Rhode Island

Debbie:

I find the question somewhat confusing, but if I understand correctly:

1. When you moved in to the apartment, you agreed to pay landlord a certain periodic rent;

2. Regardless of the reason, you failed to pay your landlord the rent you promised to pay;

3. Your landlord agreed to let you remain in the dwelling unit anyway if you would agree to pay the back rent in installments over time;

3. You agreed to pay the amount you owed in weekly installment payments, understanding that each installment would include some portion allocated to regular, current monthly rent;

4. Now you think your landlord may be taking advantage of you?

I would calculate the amount by which you have paid the landlord in excess of the base monthly rent, then reduce the back rent arrearage you owed by that excess. Then you will know how much, if anything, you still owe for back rent. Once the arrerage has been paid in full, then return to paying the regular rent on a monthly basis.

You may consider yourself lucky that the landlord is working with you rather than evicting and/or suing you.

Best wishes.