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Rhode Island Landlord-Tenant Laws 2026

Security deposit limits, eviction notice requirements, rent increase rules, and every compliance deadline for Rhode Island landlords. 8 cities covered.

Based on Rhode Island state statutes. Updated August 2026.

Rhode Island Landlord Law Summary

In Rhode Island, landlords must return security deposits within 20 days, provide 15-day eviction notice for nonpayment, and do not cap rent increases. No just cause eviction requirement.

Rhode Island Landlord Rules at a Glance

Key compliance requirements every Rhode Island landlord must follow.

Rule Requirement
Security Deposit Cap 1 month’s rent
Deposit Return Deadline 20 days
Eviction Notice (Nonpayment) 15 days written notice (for tenants with 6+ months occupancy); 5 days (less than 6 months)
Rent Cap No statewide cap
Entry Notice 2 days notice
Late Fee Cap No statutory cap
Grace Period 15 days
Just Cause Eviction Not required

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What Happens If You Violate Rhode Island Landlord-Tenant Law

Security deposit violation: Tenant may recover up to 2x the wrongfully withheld amount.

  • Late deposit return: Miss the 20-day deadline and tenants can sue for up to 2x the withheld amount.
  • Improper eviction notice: Wrong notice period or procedure = case dismissed. You restart from zero and owe additional court costs.
  • Illegal entry: Entering without 48-hour notice = harassment claim. Tenants can terminate the lease and sue for damages.
  • Fair housing violation: First offense: $16,000+ federal fine. Repeat: $65,000+. Plus actual damages, attorney fees, and potential criminal penalties.

These penalties are why many Rhode Island landlords hire property managers. Compare property management fees by state to see if it makes sense for your portfolio.

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Rhode Island Landlord-Tenant Statutes

The laws that govern residential rentals in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

R.I. Gen. Laws §34-18-1 et seq.

Comprehensive landlord-tenant law governing security deposits, habitability, eviction, and tenant rights.

Top 8 Rhode Island Cities — Landlord Law Coverage

The largest Rhode Island cities by population, with median rent and deposit cap data. Click any city for detailed landlord-tenant law coverage.

City Population Median 2BR Rent Max Deposit
Providence 190,792 $1,729/mo $1,729
Warwick 82,999 $1,729/mo $1,729
Cranston 82,635 $1,729/mo $1,729
Pawtucket 75,321 $1,729/mo $1,729
East Providence 46,900 $1,729/mo $1,729
Woonsocket 43,135 $1,729/mo $1,729
Newport 24,717 $1,729/mo $1,729
Central Falls 22,543 $1,729/mo $1,729

All 8 Rhode Island Cities

Click any city to view its specific landlord-tenant laws, deadlines, and free calculators.

Providence 190,792 Warwick 82,999 Cranston 82,635 Pawtucket 75,321 East Providence 46,900 Woonsocket 43,135 Newport 24,717 Central Falls 22,543

Download Free Rhode Island Landlord Compliance Checklist

Deposit deadlines, notice requirements, required disclosures — everything in one page.

Get Free Checklist

Rhode Island landlords must track 20-day deposit deadlines and 15-day eviction notice requirements.

The right property management software automates every compliance deadline — so a missed notice never costs you thousands.

Best PM Software for Rhode Island → Compare All Platforms

Manage Your Rhode Island Rentals with LeaseBase

Everything you need to self-manage rental properties in Rhode Island — compliance tracking, rent collection, and more.

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Frequently Asked Questions — Rhode Island Landlord Laws

Rhode Island limits security deposits to 1 month’s rent. The deposit must be returned within 20 days of lease termination with an itemized statement.
For nonpayment, tenants who have lived in the unit for 6 or more months get 15 days notice. Tenants with less than 6 months get 5 days notice. This tiered system is based on occupancy duration.
Yes. Rhode Island provides a 15-day grace period. Landlords cannot charge late fees until rent is 15 days overdue.

Compliance tracking for your Rhode Island properties

LeaseBase monitors Rhode Island landlord-tenant law changes, tracks deadlines, and alerts you before penalties apply — across every city in your portfolio.

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How we researched this page: This guide covers all Rhode Island landlord-tenant statutes, verified against official government sources. Rent data comes from HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026). Last updated: August 2026.
RA

Reviewed by Rachid Abadli

Founder & CEO, LeaseBase · Sacramento landlord · Self-managing since 2019

LeaseBase is a property management platform — not a law firm. Consult an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.

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