R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-20-11: Termination of tenancy for failure to pay increased rent imposed as penalty.

When proceedings commenced under this chapter are to regain possession of the premises following the alleged termination of a tenancy, if the defendant alleges and it appears by a preponderance of the evidence that the plaintiff attempted to increase the defendant’s obligations under the letting as a penalty for the justified lawful acts described in the preceding section, and that the defendant’s failure to perform the additional obligations was a material reason for the alleged termination, judgment shall be entered for the defendant on the claim of possession, and all the additional obligations shall be void.