Rhode Island · Security deposits · Updated Oct 2026

Rhode Island security deposit law

How much a landlord in Rhode Island can charge, the deadline to return a deposit, what may be deducted, the penalty for keeping it wrongly and how to get yours back.

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×

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
Yes. 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

Get your deposit back, step by step

  1. Before you move out, clean, take dated photos and video of every room, and return all keys.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. If the money or an itemized list doesn't come, or the deductions are wrong, send a demand letter (below). Keep proof of mailing.
  5. If that doesn't work, sue in small claims court. Limit: $5,000. Small claims court in Rhode Island on Small Claims Map

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. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.

Enter your deposit and move-out dateThe result appears as you type.

An estimate from the dates you enter and the rule in our data, not legal advice. We skip weekends only where the rule counts business days, and we don't skip holidays.

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 letter is made in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to us or anyone else.

The name on your lease or rent receipts.

We suggest 14 days.

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

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

Questions about security deposits in Rhode Island

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Rhode Island?

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.

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit 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. Send your forwarding address in writing.

What can I do if my landlord won't return my deposit in Rhode Island?

The amount owed plus damages equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney fees.

What can a landlord deduct from a security deposit in Rhode Island?

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.

Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Rhode Island?

No statute requires interest.

What is the small claims limit in Rhode Island?

$5,000.

More for Rhode Island renters

Security deposit in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 2026.