Deposit laws by state › Rhode Island
State law · Rhode Island
Rhode Island security deposit law
How long your landlord has to return your deposit, what they can deduct, and what happens if they get it wrong.
Short answer: Within 20 days after the latest of the tenancy ending, the tenant returning possession, or the tenant giving a forwarding address, the landlord must return the deposit, itemizing any deductions in a written notice.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Rhode Island?
- Return deadline
- Within 20 days after the latest of the tenancy ending, the tenant returning possession, or the tenant giving a forwarding address, the landlord must return the deposit, itemizing any deductions in a written notice.R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(b)
- Itemized list
- The itemized written notice is due within the same 20 days.R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(b)
- Forwarding address
- The 20 days run from the latest of the tenancy ending, possession being returned, or the tenant giving a forwarding address.R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(b)
Prefer a full page? Use the security deposit deadline calculator.
What happens if a Rhode Island landlord misses the deadline?
- If the landlord misses it
- Rhode Island's remedy is double damages rather than a stated forfeiture.R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(c)
- Penalty
- If the landlord fails to comply, the tenant recovers the amount due plus damages equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld, and reasonable attorney's fees.R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(c)
What can a Rhode Island landlord deduct from your deposit?
What can be deducted: Unpaid rent, reasonable cleaning and trash-disposal costs, and physical damage from the tenant's failure to meet the tenant's duties, other than ordinary wear and tear. (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(b))
Normal wear and tear: Ordinary wear and tear is excluded from damage charges. (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(b))
Cleaning: Reasonable cleaning expenses may be deducted. (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(b))
What the itemized list must include: Deductions must be itemized in a written notice. (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(b))
More on common charges: normal wear and tear, cleaning, painting, and a missing itemized list.
Is there a limit on security deposits in Rhode Island?
A landlord may not demand or receive a deposit of more than one month's rent. (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(a))
For a furnished unit with furnishings worth $5,000 or more, a separate furniture deposit of up to one month's rent is allowed (§ 34-18-19(e)).
Taking a deposit case to small claims court in Rhode Island
Small-claims limit: Rhode Island District Court small claims covers amounts of $5,000 or less. (Rhode Island Judiciary)
Most deposit disputes never get that far. A clear demand letter, sent by certified mail, often settles them first.
What to do if your Rhode Island landlord kept your deposit
- Pin down your dates. When you moved out, returned the keys, and gave a forwarding address in writing. Compare them with the deadline above.
- Gather your evidence. Move-in and move-out photos, the lease, the landlord's list of deductions, receipts and messages. The case checklist covers what matters.
- Send a demand letter by certified mail. Ask for the money, cite Rhode Island's rules, and give a deadline to pay. What a demand letter does.
- If they still don't pay, consider small claims court. You don't need a lawyer there.
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Sources
These rules come from the same verified table the Demand Letter Companion uses, checked against the sources below on October 25, 2026. Laws change; check the current official text before relying on a date.
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19: webserver.rilegislature.gov
- Rhode Island Judiciary: courts.ri.gov
Other states: see the guides for all 50 states and DC
This page is general legal information, not legal advice. Local ordinances can add rules, and your lease and facts matter. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.