Rhode Island Landlord-Tenant Laws
This overview summarizes common Rhode Island landlord-tenant topics using published statute references (Rhode Island General Laws 34-18). Laws change — confirm details with official sources.
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Rhode Island at a glance: Security deposit limit: 1 month's rent. Return deadline: 20 days. Month-to-month notice: 30 days. Source: Rhode Island General Laws 34-18.
Security deposit
- Maximum deposit
- 1 month's rent
- Return deadline
- 20 days
- Interest required
- No statutory requirement
The rule: Max one month's rent, whatever the deposit is called (a separate furniture deposit of up to one month is allowed for furnishings worth $5,000 or more). The deposit must be returned with a written itemized notice of any deductions within 20 days after the tenancy ends, possession is returned or the tenant gives a forwarding address, whichever is last (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19).
Landlords should provide an itemized deduction list when withholding any portion of the deposit.
Source read · R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19
Eviction notice
- Nonpayment of rent
- 5 days notice
- Lease violation
- 20 days notice
Court filing and service rules vary by county. Use our eviction timeline calculator for planning.
Notice to vacate
- Month-to-month lease
- 30 days notice
- Fixed-term lease
- No notice required if lease ends
Late rent fees
- Grace period
- 15 days
- Maximum late fee
- No limit
Additional regulations
- Rent control
- No statewide rent control
- Landlord entry notice
- 2 days
Primary statute reference: Rhode Island General Laws 34-18
Sources
When to use Rhode Island document templates
Use LeaseCraft templates when you need PDF and editable DOCX lease and notice forms built for Rhode Island landlords and tenants. Start with the residential lease generator, then add notices from the list of Rhode Island documents.
Common mistakes in Rhode Island
- Relying on verbal agreements instead of a written lease with required disclosures
- Missing the security deposit return deadline (20 days)
- Serving eviction or termination notices with incorrect day counts
Frequently asked questions
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In Rhode Island the security deposit limit is 1 month's rent. The return deadline is 20 days. Max one month's rent, whatever the deposit is called (a separate furniture deposit of up to one month is allowed for furnishings worth $5,000 or more). The deposit must be returned with a written itemized notice of any deductions within 20 days after the tenancy ends, possession is returned or the tenant gives a forwarding address, whichever is last (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19).
Confirm current rules in Rhode Island General Laws 34-18.
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Rhode Island month-to-month tenancies typically require 30 days written notice unless the lease specifies otherwise.
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Use our Rhode Island lease agreement generator to build a residential lease with state-structured clauses. Preview free before download.
Educational summary only, not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for specific guidance. LeaseCraft is not a law firm. Statutes change — verify requirements with official Rhode Island sources before relying on this information.
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