Rhode Island security deposit rules
Rhode Island limits security deposits to one month's periodic rent (plus a separate furniture deposit of up to one month's rent for furnished units where the furniture is worth $5,000 or more). The deposit must be returned itemized notice and refund within 20 days after the later of termination of the tenancy, delivery of possession, or the tenant providing a forwarding address, with an itemised list of any deductions. No interest is owed on the deposit under state law.
What the law requires
One month's periodic rent (plus a separate furniture deposit of up to one month's rent for furnished units where the furniture is worth $5,000 or more). Returned Itemized notice and refund within 20 days after the later of termination of the tenancy, delivery of possession, or the tenant providing a forwarding address. Wrongful withholding: tenant may recover the amount due plus twice the amount wrongfully withheld and attorney fees. Text read via Wayback Machine copies (2022-2024) of the official webserver.rilin.state.ri.us pages; the official server was unreachable, so any 2025-2026 amendments to these sections would not be reflected.
- Deductions: unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, itemised in writing. Cleaning and repainting after ordinary use are normal wear in most states.
- Deadline: the 20-day clock usually starts when the tenant moves out and, in many states, when a forwarding address is provided. Missing it typically forfeits the landlord’s right to keep any of the deposit and can add statutory damages.
- Interest: none required under state law. Cities in some no-interest states have their own ordinances, so check the municipal code where you rent.
Move-out checklist
- Give written notice of the move-out date and a forwarding address; many deadlines only start when the landlord has the address.
- Photograph every room after cleaning, with a timestamp. Request a joint inspection where the state allows one.
- If the deadline passes, send a written demand citing R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19. Small-claims court handles deposit disputes in every state and most cap the claim well above a typical deposit.
Related Rhode Island rules
- Late fees: No statutory cap or grace period for residential late fees in Rhode Island; the lease controls. Late fee calculator.
- Notice to end a tenancy: At least 30 days' written notice by either party for month-to-month (10 days for week-to-week; 3 months for year-to-year) Nonpayment: once rent is 15 days in arrears the landlord sends a 5-day demand notice; if unpaid within 5 days of mailing the landlord may file for eviction. Notice calculator.
- All rules on one page: Rhode Island landlord and tenant law.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Rhode Island?
One month's periodic rent (plus a separate furniture deposit of up to one month's rent for furnished units where the furniture is worth $5,000 or more). Wrongful withholding: tenant may recover the amount due plus twice the amount wrongfully withheld and attorney fees. Text read via Wayback Machine copies (2022-2024) of the official webserver.rilin.state.ri.us pages; the official server was unreachable, so any 2025-2026 amendments to these sections would not be reflected.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Rhode Island?
Itemized notice and refund within 20 days after the later of termination of the tenancy, delivery of possession, or the tenant providing a forwarding address. The statute is R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19.
Does a Rhode Island landlord have to pay interest on the security deposit?
No. Rhode Island law does not require interest on residential security deposits.