Rhode Island security deposit law

Security Deposit Laws in Rhode Island: What Your Landlord Can and Cannot Keep

Your landlord has 20 days under Rhode Island law to return your security deposit, or you may be owed more than what they withheld. If they keep more than they're legally allowed, you can dispute it.

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Rhode Island security deposit return timeline

Deadline to return

20 days

Statute

R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(b)-(c)

20 days after the LATER of: (1) termination of the tenancy, (2) delivery of possession, or (3) the tenant providing the landlord with a forwarding address for the purpose of receiving the security deposit. The itemized written notice and the amount due must be delivered together. A separate furniture security deposit (permitted only for furnished units where furniture replacement value is $5,000 or more) follows the same 20-day rule under § 34-18-19(f). No rental agreement may waive this section.

What can a landlord legally deduct in Rhode Island?

Allowed

  • ✓Unpaid accrued rent
  • ✓Reasonable cleaning expenses
  • ✓Reasonable trash disposal expenses
  • ✓Physical damages to the premises other than ordinary wear and tear, arising from tenant noncompliance with § 34-18-24

Not allowed

  • ✗Ordinary wear and tear

What if your landlord keeps your deposit wrongfully in Rhode Island?

If the landlord fails to comply with subsection (b), the tenant may recover the amount due plus damages equal to TWICE (2x) the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney fees. § 34-18-19(d) preserves other damages available under the chapter.

How TenantNex helps

  1. 1. Tell us your move-out date, deposit amount, and landlord's address — two minutes.
  2. 2. We generate a demand letter citing R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(b)-(c) and your exact deadline.
  3. 3. We mail it to your landlord via USPS Certified Mail with return receipt.
  4. 4. You track delivery on your case page, with day-7 and day-14 follow-up.

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Rhode Island tenant rights resources

Every fact on this page is verified against Rhode Island's official statutory text as of 2026-09-04. TenantNex prepares legal correspondence as a document preparation service, not as your attorney. For complex disputes, consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.

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  • Day-7 and day-14 follow-up with your next steps
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What TenantNex is — and isn't

TenantNex is a document preparation and delivery service, not a law firm. We prepare and send correspondence using publicly available state statutes. We do not provide legal advice, legal representation, or guarantee any outcome. For complex legal matters, consult a licensed attorney in your state.