R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-15-8: Notice to absentee by service on tenant in possession.

If a person named defendant in a complaint for partition, being an inhabitant of this state, is temporarily absent from the state, so that, although it may be known where the person is, the complaint or subpoena cannot be personally served upon him or her, legal service may be made by leaving a copy of the complaint or subpoena with the tenant in possession of the estate whereof partition is demanded, if there is a tenant.