Rhode Island · RI · updated 2026
In Rhode Island, a landlord must return a security deposit within 20 calendar days
Quick answer
A Rhode Island landlord has 20 calendar days after the tenancy ends, possession is returned, or you give a forwarding address, whichever is latest to return your deposit or send an itemized list of deductions. Miss it in bad faith and the landlord can end up owing you more than the deposit itself.
Under Rhode Island security deposit law, a Rhode Island landlord has 20 calendar days to return your security deposit, counted from when the tenancy ends, possession is returned, or you give a forwarding address, whichever is latest. By statute, the deposit is capped at 1 month's rent. If the landlord misses the deadline or keeps money you are owed, you can push back in writing and, if needed, in small claims court.
- Return deadline
- 20 calendar days
- Deadline counted from
- the tenancy ends, possession is returned, or you give a forwarding address, whichever is latest
- Itemized statement
- Required
- Move-in condition list
- Not required by statute
- Maximum deposit
- 1 month's rent
- Interest on deposit
- Not required
Calculate your exact Rhode Island deadline
Enter your move-out date to see the exact calendar date the deadline lands on. It runs on your device, so nothing you type is uploaded.
What a Rhode Island landlord can deduct
- Unpaid rent and unpaid utilities you owe under the lease
- Repair of damage beyond ordinary wear and tear (not normal aging, fading, or minor marks)
- An itemized written statement of every deduction (Rhode Island requires it, so ask for it in writing)
If the landlord withholds in bad faith
If the landlord fails to comply, the tenant may recover the amount due plus damages equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees (§34-18-19(b)-(c)).
How to get your deposit back in Rhode Island
- Document the unit's condition at move-out with dated photos of every room (a move-in / move-out checklist keeps it organized).
- Confirm your exact return deadline with the deadline calculator.
- If the deadline passes, send a written demand letter citing the statute and the amount owed.
- If it is still ignored, you can file in small claims court.
Common Rhode Island deposit disputes
- The deadline passed and you have heard nothing
- Send a written demand letter citing the statute and the amount owed. Keep proof you sent it.
- You got money back but disagree with the deductions
- Rhode Island requires an itemized statement, so ask for it in writing first, then dispute anything charged as ordinary wear and tear.
- You are still deciding whether the case is worth it
- Confirm the exact deadline below, gather your dated move-out photos, and read the penalty your state allows before you commit.
Frequently asked
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Rhode Island?
- In Rhode Island, a landlord must return a security deposit within 20 calendar days.
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Rhode Island?
- Rhode Island caps the security deposit at 1 month's rent.
- Can my Rhode Island landlord keep my deposit for cleaning or normal wear?
- Deductions are generally limited to unpaid rent and damage beyond ordinary wear and tear. Rhode Island requires the landlord to give an itemized statement of deductions.
- Does a Rhode Island landlord have to pay interest on my deposit?
- No. Rhode Island does not require the landlord to pay interest on the security deposit.
- What if my Rhode Island landlord wrongfully keeps my deposit?
- If the landlord fails to comply, the tenant may recover the amount due plus damages equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees (§34-18-19(b)-(c)).
20 days from latest of termination, possession delivered, or forwarding address given. Capped at 1 month's rent; no interest required. Confirmed from official text: §34-18-19 has NO move-in checklist requirement - prior secondary sources claiming one are wrong.