Rhode Island Landlord-Tenant Law at a Glance
Rhode Island banned rental application fees in 2024 and requires landlords to give tenants 62 or older 60 days’ notice of a rent increase instead of 30 (R.I.G.L. § 34-18-16.1). Deposits are capped at one month’s rent and returned within 20 days.
How Long Does a Landlord Have to Return a Security Deposit in Rhode Island?
A Rhode Island landlord has 20 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant gives a forwarding address to return the deposit with an itemized list of damages.
| Maximum Deposit | One month’s rent |
| Return Deadline | 20 days |
| Interest Required | No |
| Itemized Statement | Required |
| Statute Reference | R.I.G.L. § 34-18-19 |
How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island does not cap rent increases, but requires 30 days’ written notice — 60 days for tenants 62 or older.
| Late Fee Limit | No statutory cap |
| Rent Control Status | No rent control |
| Rent Increase Notice | 30 days; 60 days for tenants 62+ |
| Statute Reference | R.I.G.L. § 34-18-16.1 |
How to Evict a Tenant in Rhode Island
Once rent is 15 days late, a Rhode Island landlord serves a 5-day demand for payment before filing for eviction.
| Non-Payment Notice | 5 days, once rent is 15 days late |
| Lease Violation Notice | 20 days to cure |
| Month-to-Month Notice | 30 days |
| Statute Reference | R.I.G.L. §§ 34-18-35, 34-18-36, 34-18-37 |
Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in Rhode Island?
No. Rhode Island requires 2 days’ notice before entry except in an emergency.
| Notice Required | 2 days |
| Emergency Entry | Allowed without notice |
| Permitted Reasons | Inspect, repairs, agreed services, show the unit |
| Statute Reference | R.I.G.L. § 34-18-26 |
What Must a Rhode Island Lease Disclose?
- Lead-based paint disclosure and lead hazard mitigation certificate (pre-1978 housing)
- Name and address of the owner or agent (R.I.G.L. § 34-18-20)
- Outstanding housing code violations (R.I.G.L. § 34-18-22.2)
What Repairs Is a Landlord Responsible For in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island landlords must keep the premises fit and habitable and maintain supplied systems; tenants can repair minor defects and deduct up to $125.
What Rhode Island landlords must maintain
- • Comply with building and housing codes
- • Keep common areas clean and safe
- • Maintain supplied electrical, plumbing, heating and appliances
What a Rhode Island tenant can do
- • Repair and deduct minor defects (limit below)
- • Terminate after 20 days’ notice of a material breach
| Repair & Deduct | Up to $125 |
| Statute Reference | R.I.G.L. §§ 34-18-22, 34-18-30 |