Rhode Island Security Deposit Law
A 2026 guide for Rhode Island landlords: how much you can hold, the 20-day deadline to return it, whether interest is required, and the penalties for getting it wrong — plus a free calculator set to Rhode Island's rules.
Deposit cap
1 month's rent
Refund deadline
20 days
Interest required?
No
No statewide interest requirement.
Separate account?
Not required
Penalty for noncompliance
Wrongful withholding can result in up to twice the amount withheld.
Statute: R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19
Rhode Island security deposit refund calculator
Pre-set to Rhode Island's 20-day deadline. Enter the deposit and any deductions to see the refund and the exact due date.
Itemized deductions
Result
$1,500.00
Amount owed back to the tenant
- Deposit held
- $1,500.00
- Total deductions
- −$0.00
Legal deadline in Rhode Island
Return the deposit (or an itemized statement of deductions) within 20 days of move-out.
How to return a security deposit in Rhode Island
- 1
Inspect and document the unit
As soon as the tenant moves out, photograph every room and compare it against the move-in condition. In Rhode Island, deductions generally must reflect actual damage beyond normal wear and tear.
- 2
Itemize every deduction in writing
List each deduction with a dollar amount. Rhode Island — like nearly every state — can bar a landlord from keeping any of the deposit if deductions aren't itemized in a written statement.
- 3
Confirm no interest is required
No statewide interest requirement. That means you generally return the deposit minus documented deductions, with no added interest.
- 4
Return the balance within 20 days
Send the remaining balance and the itemized statement to the tenant's forwarding address within 20 days of move-out. Missing this deadline is the single most common way landlords lose a deposit dispute.
Rhode Island security deposit FAQ
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Rhode Island?
1 month's rent.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Rhode Island?
A landlord generally has 20 days after the tenant moves out to return the deposit or send an itemized statement of deductions.
Is interest required on security deposits in Rhode Island?
No statewide interest requirement.
Does Rhode Island require the deposit to be held in a separate account?
Rhode Island does not impose a statewide separate-account requirement, though keeping deposits separate is still good practice.
What happens if a landlord wrongfully withholds a deposit in Rhode Island?
Wrongful withholding can result in up to twice the amount withheld.
Related free tools
Deposit laws in other states
This page summarizes general state-level rules as of 2026 and does not cover city or county ordinances, which can be stricter. Verify against the statute cited above (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19) or with a local attorney before relying on it.