Landlord & Tenant Laws in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island’s deposit-return rule is triggered after the tenancy ends, the tenant delivers possession, and the tenant demands the deposit. Keep a written demand and your forwarding address.

If the amount sought is within the Rhode Island small claims limit, a tenant may file in District Court small claims. Keep the lease, proof of deposit payment, move-out evidence, and the written demand.

A Rhode Island landlord generally may not demand or receive a security deposit in an amount greater than one month’s periodic rent.

A landlord generally must return the security deposit within 20 days after the tenancy ends, delivery of possession, and demand by the tenant, together with an itemized statement of any lawful deductions.

If a landlord wrongfully withholds a security deposit or fails to provide the required itemized statement, the tenant may recover the amount wrongfully withheld together with damages equal to twice that amount in the right case.