R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-6-12: Commencement of income estate.

When an annuity or the use, rent, income, or interest of property, real or personal, is given by a will, or by an instrument in the nature of a will, to or in trust for the benefit of a person for life or until the happening of a contingent event, that person shall be entitled to receive and enjoy the same from and after the death of the testator, unless it is otherwise provided in the will or instrument.