Pawtucket, RI Code § 325-2

Chapter 325. Rental Property
Article I. Rent Payment Deposit in Escrow
§ 325-2. Escrow account.

The rent shall be paid into an escrow account established by the enforcing officer to be paid thereafter to the landlord or any other party authorized to make repairs (including the enforcing officer) to defray the costs of correcting the conditions and no action shall be maintained by the landlord against the tenant for such rent or for possession. Sums paid into said escrow fund in excess of those necessary to make repairs shall be paid to the landlord on completion. If the tenant shall fail to make payments to the enforcing officer, then an action for rent or possession may be maintained, subject to such defenses as the tenant may have under the lease or agreement.