Heitke, Cook and Associates, LLC, Law Office

Security Deposits in Rhode Island

Most residential leases and rental agreements in Rhode Island require a security deposit. This  is a dollar amount, usually one month's rent, that's intended to cover damage to the premises beyond normal wear and tear, and to cushion the financial blow if a  tenant skips out early on the lease without paying. Here’s a summary of Rhode Island landlord-tenant laws that cover the use and return of security deposits.

Does Rhode Island law limit how much a landlord can charge a tenant for a security deposit?

Yes. Under Rhode Island landlord-tenant laws, a landlord may charge a tenant the equivalent of one month's rent for the security deposit.

What about when a tenant moves out? What is the deadline in Rhode Island for returning a security deposit?

Under Rhode Island law, a landlord must return the tenant's security deposit within 20 days after the tenant has moved out.