Section 34-18-16.1 of the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act provides that a landlord may increase the rent for a residential tenancy as long as notice is given thirty days prior to the effective date. "Notice" is deemed given if the landlord takes "steps reasonably calculated to inform the other in ordinary course whether or not the other actually comes to know of it." Sec. 34-18-14(b). In the case at bar, James Halpin testified at trial that he mailed the new tenancy agreement to the Hendersons at the Lincoln, Rhode Island address. This Court finds his testimony credible, and as such, finds that Plaintiff satisfied the notice requirement of § 34-18-16.1 with respect to the *Page 8
rent increase. Furthermore, although the Hendersons failed to execute the new proposed lease, execution is not required under § 34-18-16.1. However, they did remain in possession of the property at issue, which constitutes constructive acceptance of the rent increase.