Rhode Island Security Deposit Law
Return deadline, statute, and penalties for Rhode Island renters.
Return deadline
20 days
20 days after the latest of the tenancy ending, delivery of possession, or the tenant giving a forwarding address.
Penalty for late or wrongful withholding
Amount owed plus damages of 2× the amount wrongfully withheld, plus attorney fees
Governing statute
R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19
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Check my Rhode Island deadlineRhode Island security deposit questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Rhode Island?
Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19, a Rhode Island landlord generally has 20 days to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions. 20 days after the latest of the tenancy ending, delivery of possession, or the tenant giving a forwarding address.
What happens if a Rhode Island landlord returns the deposit late?
Amount owed plus damages of 2× the amount wrongfully withheld, plus attorney fees. Courts usually decide whether a penalty applies, and many states require showing the landlord acted in bad faith.
Can a Rhode Island landlord deduct from my deposit?
Landlords can generally deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, and must explain deductions in writing.
How do I demand my security deposit back in Rhode Island?
Send your landlord a written demand letter that cites R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19, states the amount owed, and sets a deadline to pay. Send it by certified mail and keep a copy. If the landlord doesn't pay, the letter is useful evidence in small claims court.
Last reviewed October 21, 2026. Read the official text of R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19. This page is general information, not legal advice. See our terms of use.