Rhode Island · Security deposits · Updated Oct 2026

Rhode Island security deposit law

In Rhode Island, your landlord has 20 days to return your deposit.

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026

Short answer

In Rhode Island, the deposit limit is: One month's rent. The landlord must return it as follows: Within 20 days after the latest of: the tenancy ends, you give back possession, or you give the landlord a forwarding address for the deposit.

deposit limit: 1 month's rent (with exceptions)
to return a deposit: 20 days
deposit penalty: Up to 2×

Get your letter ↓ Check the deadline ↓

Get your deposit back, step by step

Before you move out, clean, take dated photos and video of every room, and return all keys.
Give your landlord your new address in writing. In Rhode Island: Within 20 days after the latest of: the tenancy ends, you give back possession, or you give the landlord a forwarding address for the deposit.
Wait for the deadline: Within 20 days after the latest of: the tenancy ends, you give back possession, or you give the landlord a forwarding address for the deposit.
If the money or an itemized list doesn't come, or the deductions are wrong, send a demand letter (below). Keep proof of mailing.
If that doesn't work, sue in small claims court. Limit: $5,000. Small claims court in Rhode Island on RobinClaim

Deposit return calculator for Rhode Island

Find your state's deadline for returning a security deposit, whether your landlord is late and what you may be owed.

Security deposit demand letter for Rhode Island

A short, firm and polite letter asking your landlord to return your deposit by a date. It cites your state's deposit law. Many landlords pay at this step, and the letter is proof that you asked. Fill this in, download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it), sign it, keep a copy and send it in a way you can prove, such as certified mail with a return receipt.

Your full name (required)

Where should they send your money? (your mailing address) (required)

Phone

Landlord or property manager (required)

The name on your lease or rent receipts.

Landlord's address (required to mail it)

Address of the rental (required)

I will hand it to the landlord or email it (no mailing address needed)

Date of the letter

Usually today. The deadline in the letter counts from this date.

Date you moved in

Date you moved out (required)

Deposit you paid ($) (required)

Amount the landlord returned ($)

Did you get an itemized list of deductions?

Days the landlord has to pay

We suggest 14 days.

Why the deductions are wrong (optional, in English)

One or two sentences. This text goes into the letter as written.

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Other formats

Sign it, keep a copy, and send it by certified mail with a return receipt. The receipt is your proof that the landlord got it.

Security deposit in Rhode Island

Limit: One month's rent. If the unit is furnished with furniture worth $5,000 or more, the landlord may also charge a separate furniture deposit of up to one month's rent.
Deadline to return it: Within 20 days after the latest of: the tenancy ends, you give back possession, or you give the landlord a forwarding address for the deposit. Send your forwarding address in writing.
Itemized list: Any deductions must be itemized in a written notice delivered to you with the refund within the 20 days. Receipts are not required by the law.
What may be deducted: Unpaid rent, reasonable cleaning costs, reasonable trash removal costs, and physical damage beyond ordinary wear and tear caused by your failure to meet your duties. A lease can't waive these rules.
Interest: No statute requires interest.
If the landlord keeps it wrongly: The amount owed plus damages equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney fees.
Law: R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19

Small claims court in Rhode Island

Deposit disputes usually go to small claims court, where you don't need a lawyer. Limit: $5,000.

How to file in Rhode Island

More for Rhode Island renters

Security deposit in nearby states

Sources

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026