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Rhode Island · RI

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

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.

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Deposit deadlines, eviction notice periods, rent cap calculations — monitored automatically across all 8 Rhode Island cities.

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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.

Rhode Island Landlord Law Topics

Explore detailed rules by topic for any Rhode Island city.

Security Deposit Laws

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Eviction Process & Notice Requirements

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Rent Increase Laws

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Landlord Entry & Access Rules

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Maintenance & Habitability Standards

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Late Fee Limits

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Lease Termination & Renewal

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Fair Housing Protections

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Tenant Screening Rules

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Required Landlord Disclosures

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Rent Control

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Property Registration Requirements

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Top 8 Rhode Island Cities — Landlord Law Coverage

The largest Rhode Island cities by population, with median rent and deposit cap data.

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions — Rhode Island Landlord Laws

What is the security deposit limit in Rhode Island?

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.

What is the eviction notice period in Rhode Island?

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.

Does Rhode Island have a grace period for rent?

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.