Overview
Rhode Island security deposit laws are designed to protect tenants from unfair practices while ensuring landlords can recover legitimate costs. These laws outline how security deposits must be collected, stored, and returned.
Under Rhode Island General Laws § 34-18-19, landlords are required to comply with specific rules governing security deposits. Failure to follow the law can result in penalties and forfeiture of the deposit.
This guide covers:
How much landlords can charge
Where deposits must be stored
Rules for returning security deposits
Penalties for non-compliance
Related Statute: R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19
1. Security Deposit Limits & Storage Requirements
Maximum deposit: Landlords may not charge more than one month’s rent as a security deposit.
Storage requirements: Rhode Island law does not specify that the deposit must be held in a separate or interest-bearing account, but landlords must safeguard the funds until the end of the lease.
Tenant notification: There is no statutory requirement for landlords to notify tenants of where the deposit is held.
Law Reference: R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(a)
2. Security Deposit Returns & Allowable Deductions
Return deadline: Landlords must return the security deposit within 20 days after the end of the tenancy and receipt of the tenant’s forwarding address.
Permissible deductions: Deductions may be made for unpaid rent, damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, and reasonable cleaning expenses necessary to return the unit to its original condition.
What landlords cannot deduct: Normal wear and tear, such as worn carpet or faded paint, may not be deducted from the deposit.
Itemized statement required: If deductions are made, a written itemized list must be sent to the tenant within the 20-day period.
Law Reference: R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(c)
3. Interest Payments & Documentation Requirements
Interest payments: Rhode Island law does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits.
Move-in condition report: While not required, tenants and landlords are encouraged to document the condition of the unit at move-in and move-out.
Tenant review period: Tenants should inspect the rental unit at move-in and report any existing damages to avoid disputes later.
Failure to provide documentation: If landlords do not provide an itemized list of deductions within 20 days, they may forfeit the right to withhold any portion of the deposit.
Law Reference: R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(c)
4. Penalties for Mishandling Security Deposits
Rhode Island imposes penalties on landlords who do not follow deposit laws.
Failure to return the deposit within 20 days may result in the landlord being required to return the full deposit, and tenants may sue for damages.
Failure to provide an itemized statement can result in the loss of the right to make any deductions from the deposit.
Law Reference: R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(c)
Key Takeaways
Landlords may not charge more than one month’s rent as a security deposit.
Deposits must be returned within 20 days of the end of the tenancy and receipt of a forwarding address.
Only specific deductions are allowed, and landlords must provide a written itemized statement.
No interest is required to be paid on security deposits.
Failure to follow the law can lead to legal action and loss of deposit rights.
By understanding and following Rhode Island security deposit laws, landlords can remain compliant, and tenants can ensure they receive their deposit back fairly and on time.
Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Readers should not act or refrain from acting based on any information included in this post without seeking legal counsel or other professional guidance specific to their situation. The information is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the content. Laws and regulations may change and vary by jurisdiction.
