--- title: "Rhode Island Landlord Rules: Deposits, Notices, Evictions" description: "Rhode Island landlord-tenant rules: deposit capped at 1 month of rent, deposit returned within 20 days. Official sources linked." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/tools/rhode-island-landlord-rules" --- Free tool · Rhode Island · Landlords and tenants # Rhode Island landlord rules: deposits, notices and the eviction steps The deposit rules, notice periods, eviction case and small claims limit for Rhode Island, each from the state's own pages or courts. **Quick answer.** Security deposit return deadline in Rhode Island: Within 20 days after the latest of: the tenancy ends, possession is delivered, or the tenant gives a forwarding address (34-18-19(b)). Deposit limit: No more than one month's periodic rent (34-18-19(a)). **Sources checked:** November 2026 **Quick answer.** Rhode Island: deposit capped at 1 month of rent; deposit returned within 20 days; 30-day notice to end month-to-month; 5-day notice for unpaid rent; 48-hour entry notice; $5,000 small claims limit. 19 of 23 items are confirmed on official pages; 4 are marked not confirmed, with the page to check. ## Key numbers Deposit limit 1 month's rent Deposit back within 20 days Month-to-month notice (landlord) 30 days Unpaid rent notice 5 days Entry notice 48 hours Time to answer or appear At the hearing Judgment to writ 6 days Small claims limit $5,000 ## Security deposit (6 of 6 confirmed) Law read: R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-19. Need the other side served? [Process serving with an affidavit of service](/notary/process-serving). - ### ConfirmedDeposit limit No more than one month's periodic rent (34-18-19(a)). Sources: [Rhode Island General Assembly: 34-18-19, Security deposits](https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/statutes/title34/34-18/34-18-19.HTM); [FindLaw Codes (secondary source): R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-19, current as of January 1, 2026](https://codes.findlaw.com/ri/title-34-property/ri-gen-laws-sect-34-18-19/), checked November 2026 - ### ConfirmedReturn deadline Within 20 days after the latest of: the tenancy ends, possession is delivered, or the tenant gives a forwarding address (34-18-19(b)). Sources: [Rhode Island General Assembly: 34-18-19, Security deposits](https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/statutes/title34/34-18/34-18-19.HTM); [FindLaw Codes (secondary source): R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-19, current as of January 1, 2026](https://codes.findlaw.com/ri/title-34-property/ri-gen-laws-sect-34-18-19/), checked November 2026 - ### ConfirmedItemized list of deductions Deductions itemized in a written notice delivered to the tenant (34-18-19(b)). Sources: [Rhode Island General Assembly: 34-18-19, Security deposits](https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/statutes/title34/34-18/34-18-19.HTM); [FindLaw Codes (secondary source): R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-19, current as of January 1, 2026](https://codes.findlaw.com/ri/title-34-property/ri-gen-laws-sect-34-18-19/), checked November 2026 - ### ConfirmedInterest on the deposit None stated in R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-19 (subsections (a) to (h), FindLaw text current as of January 1, 2026). Sources: [Rhode Island General Assembly: 34-18-19, Security deposits](https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/statutes/title34/34-18/34-18-19.HTM); [FindLaw Codes (secondary source): R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-19, current as of January 1, 2026](https://codes.findlaw.com/ri/title-34-property/ri-gen-laws-sect-34-18-19/), checked November 2026 - ### ConfirmedWhere the deposit is held None stated in 34-18-19: no account type or place is named. Sources: [Rhode Island General Assembly: 34-18-19, Security deposits](https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/statutes/title34/34-18/34-18-19.HTM); [FindLaw Codes (secondary source): R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-19, current as of January 1, 2026](https://codes.findlaw.com/ri/title-34-property/ri-gen-laws-sect-34-18-19/), checked November 2026 - ### ConfirmedPenalty the law states Twice the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney fees (34-18-19(c)). Sources: [Rhode Island General Assembly: 34-18-19, Security deposits](https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/statutes/title34/34-18/34-18-19.HTM); [FindLaw Codes (secondary source): R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-19, current as of January 1, 2026](https://codes.findlaw.com/ri/title-34-property/ri-gen-laws-sect-34-18-19/), checked November 2026 More: [Security deposit rules by state](/tools/security-deposit-rules-by-state#st-RI) · [Deposit return deadline calculator](/tools/security-deposit-return-deadline-calculator?state=RI) ## Notice periods (5 of 6 confirmed) What the official text says about each notice. Cities and counties can add their own notice, just-cause or rent rules. Check local rules too. | Notice | Rule | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | Ending month-to-month (landlord) | Written notice delivered at least 30 days before the date named in the notice (10 days for week-to-week). Either side. | Source: [Rhode Island General Assembly: R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-37](https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/title34/34-18/34-18-37.HTM), checked November 2026 (R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-37(b)) | | Ending month-to-month (tenant) | Written notice delivered at least 30 days before the date named in the notice (10 days for week-to-week). Either side. | Source: [Rhode Island General Assembly: R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-37](https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/title34/34-18/34-18-37.HTM), checked November 2026 (R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-37(b)) | | Rent increase notice | Written notice at least 60 days before the increase for tenants 62 and under; 120 days for tenants over 62. | Source: [Rhode Island General Assembly commission documents: Updated Rhode Island Landlord Tenant Handbook (draft, September 2024)](https://www.rilegislature.gov/commissions/lateco/commdocs/2024-11-01%20--%20FINAL.2024.Updated.Landlord%20Tenant%20Handbook.pdf), checked November 2026 (R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-16.1) | | Unpaid rent notice | Once rent is more than 15 days in arrears, a 5-day demand letter; the tenant has 5 days from mailing to pay. The form is in 34-18-56(a). | Source: [Rhode Island General Assembly commission documents: Updated Rhode Island Landlord Tenant Handbook (draft, September 2024)](https://www.rilegislature.gov/commissions/lateco/commdocs/2024-11-01%20--%20FINAL.2024.Updated.Landlord%20Tenant%20Handbook.pdf), checked November 2026 (R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-35; 34-18-56) | | Entry notice | At least 2 days' advance notice at a reasonable time; none needed in an emergency or after the tenant has been away more than 7 days. | Source: [Rhode Island General Assembly commission documents: Updated Rhode Island Landlord Tenant Handbook (draft, September 2024)](https://www.rilegislature.gov/commissions/lateco/commdocs/2024-11-01%20--%20FINAL.2024.Updated.Landlord%20Tenant%20Handbook.pdf), checked November 2026 (R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-26) | | Late fee limits | Not confirmed — check [Rhode Island General Assembly: R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-37](https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/title34/34-18/34-18-37.HTM). Not in the handbook. Check R.I. Gen. Laws chapter 34-18. | | More: [Notice periods by state](/tools/landlord-tenant-notice-periods-by-state#st-RI) · [Notice date calculator](/tools/notice-date-calculator?state=RI) ## Eviction case, in order (7 of 10 confirmed) - **Notice before filing** The written notice comes first; its length is in the notice table above.Unpaid rent: Once rent is more than 15 days in arrears, a 5-day demand letter; the tenant has 5 days from mailing to pay. The form is in 34-18-56(a). - **Filing the case** Where the case goes and what it costs to start. #### ConfirmedCourt Evictions are heard in the District Court.District Court Landlord/Tenant Evictions Source: [Rhode Island Judiciary: District Court Landlord/Tenant Evictions FAQ](https://www.courts.ri.gov/Courts/districtcourt/Pages/LandlordTenant-FAQ.aspx), checked November 2026 - #### Not confirmedFiling fee Not confirmed — check [Rhode Island Judiciary: District Court Landlord/Tenant Evictions FAQ](https://www.courts.ri.gov/Courts/districtcourt/Pages/LandlordTenant-FAQ.aspx). Not confirmed on an official page we opened. - **The tenant's answer or appearance** #### ConfirmedTime to answer or appear In a nonpayment case the tenant may file an answer at the hearing itself; missing the call of the case can lose it.may file an Answer in nonpayment of rent evictions at the time of the hearing itself. Source: [Rhode Island General Assembly (commission documents): Updated RI Landlord Tenant Handbook (September 2024 draft)](https://www.rilegislature.gov/commissions/lateco/commdocs/2024-11-01%20--%20FINAL.2024.Updated.Landlord%20Tenant%20Handbook.pdf), checked November 2026 - **Hearing or trial** #### ConfirmedHearing after filing In a nonpayment case the hearing is 14 to 21 days after filing.fourteen (14) to twenty-one (21) days from the filing of an eviction for non-payment of rent Source: [Rhode Island Judiciary: District Court Landlord/Tenant Evictions FAQ](https://www.courts.ri.gov/Courts/districtcourt/Pages/LandlordTenant-FAQ.aspx), checked November 2026 - **Judgment and the writ** The order that lets the officer act. #### ConfirmedJudgment to writ If no appeal is taken, the landlord may seek the writ of execution on the 6th day.on the 6th day, the landlord may seek a 'Writ of Execution' from the Court. Source: [Rhode Island General Assembly (commission documents): Updated RI Landlord Tenant Handbook (September 2024 draft)](https://www.rilegislature.gov/commissions/lateco/commdocs/2024-11-01%20--%20FINAL.2024.Updated.Landlord%20Tenant%20Handbook.pdf), checked November 2026 - **Lockout** Carried out by an officer, not by either side. #### Not confirmedWrit to lockout Not confirmed — check [Rhode Island Judiciary: District Court Landlord/Tenant Evictions FAQ](https://www.courts.ri.gov/Courts/districtcourt/Pages/LandlordTenant-FAQ.aspx). Not confirmed on an official page we opened. - #### ConfirmedWho carries out the lockout The writ lets a sheriff or constable regain possession.allows a sheriff or constable to come to the rental unit and regain possession of the premises. Source: [Rhode Island General Assembly (commission documents): Updated RI Landlord Tenant Handbook (September 2024 draft)](https://www.rilegislature.gov/commissions/lateco/commdocs/2024-11-01%20--%20FINAL.2024.Updated.Landlord%20Tenant%20Handbook.pdf), checked November 2026 - **Along the way** Paying to stop the case, counsel and diversion programs. #### ConfirmedPaying to stop the case The first time a tenant falls behind, paying all rent owed plus court costs at the hearing avoids eviction; after a 5-day demand letter in the prior 6 months the landlord may refuse.the right to avoid eviction by paying the entire amount of rent owed, plus court costs, at the time of the eviction hearing. Source: [Rhode Island General Assembly (commission documents): Updated RI Landlord Tenant Handbook (September 2024 draft)](https://www.rilegislature.gov/commissions/lateco/commdocs/2024-11-01%20--%20FINAL.2024.Updated.Landlord%20Tenant%20Handbook.pdf), checked November 2026 - #### ConfirmedRight to counsel (statewide) No statewide right to counsel for tenants in eviction cases (as of November 2026, per the National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel): its tracker of enacted laws lists no statewide law here.An eviction right to counsel is created by an enacted law that, at a minimum: Source: [National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel (secondary source): National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel: Enacted Eviction Right to Counsel and Eviction Defense Programs (last modified November 2026)](https://civilrighttocounsel.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/RTC_Enacted_Legislation_in_Eviction_Proceedings_FINAL.pdf), checked November 2026 - #### Not confirmedDiversion or mediation (statewide) Not confirmed — check [Rhode Island Judiciary: District Court Landlord/Tenant Evictions FAQ](https://www.courts.ri.gov/Courts/districtcourt/Pages/LandlordTenant-FAQ.aspx). Not confirmed on an official page we opened. ### Example: a case filed Monday, March 1, 2027 The earliest date of each stage the confirmed rules allow, from our eviction timeline estimator. Earliest under the statute; courts' calendars often take longer. | Stage | Earliest date | | --- | --- | | Case filed | Monday, March 1, 2027 | | Answer or appear | Monday, March 15, 2027 | | Hearing or trial | Monday, March 15, 2027 | | Judgment | Monday, March 15, 2027 | | Writ or warrant of possession | Sunday, March 21, 2027 | Help the official pages name: Rhode Island Legal Services, (401) 274-2652. More: [Rhode Island eviction process](/tools/eviction-process-rhode-island) · [Eviction timeline estimator](/tools/eviction-timeline-estimator?state=ri) ## Deposit disputes: small claims - ### ConfirmedSmall claims limit (for a deposit dispute) $5,000: the most a small claims case can ask for.R.I. Gen. Laws 10-16-1 (amended P.L. 2021, ch. 143 and 144, effective July 3, 2021): not in excess of $5,000 exclusive of interest and costs, for contract actions, tax recovery, retail sale/services to the public, and negotiable instruments. District Court page: personal injury and auto/other accident damage cases are not heard as small claims.Filing fee to start a case: $75.75. Source: [RI District Court: Small Claims](https://www.courts.ri.gov:443/Courts/districtcourt/Pages/smallclaims.aspx), checked November 2026 More: [Rhode Island small claims court](/tools/small-claims-rhode-island) ## Still to confirm - Late fee limits: check [Rhode Island General Assembly: R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-37](https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/title34/34-18/34-18-37.HTM) - Filing fee: check [Rhode Island Judiciary: District Court Landlord/Tenant Evictions FAQ](https://www.courts.ri.gov/Courts/districtcourt/Pages/LandlordTenant-FAQ.aspx) - Writ to lockout: check [Rhode Island Judiciary: District Court Landlord/Tenant Evictions FAQ](https://www.courts.ri.gov/Courts/districtcourt/Pages/LandlordTenant-FAQ.aspx) - Diversion or mediation (statewide): check [Rhode Island Judiciary: District Court Landlord/Tenant Evictions FAQ](https://www.courts.ri.gov/Courts/districtcourt/Pages/LandlordTenant-FAQ.aspx) General information, not legal advice. We are not lawyers, and MCC Solutions is not a law firm. The same rules apply whichever side of the lease you are on; this page describes them and doesn't take a side. Rules change, cities and counties can add their own, a lease can add terms, and the official source has the final word. ## Common questions **How much can a security deposit be in Rhode Island?** No more than one month's periodic rent (34-18-19(a)). **How long does a Rhode Island landlord have to return a deposit?** Within 20 days after the latest of: the tenancy ends, possession is delivered, or the tenant gives a forwarding address (34-18-19(b)). What goes with it: Deductions itemized in a written notice delivered to the tenant (34-18-19(b)). **How much notice ends a month-to-month tenancy in Rhode Island?** From the landlord: Written notice delivered at least 30 days before the date named in the notice (10 days for week-to-week). Either side. From the tenant: Written notice delivered at least 30 days before the date named in the notice (10 days for week-to-week). Either side. **What notice comes before an unpaid-rent case in Rhode Island?** Once rent is more than 15 days in arrears, a 5-day demand letter; the tenant has 5 days from mailing to pay. The form is in 34-18-56(a). **How much notice before a landlord enters a rental in Rhode Island?** At least 2 days' advance notice at a reasonable time; none needed in an emergency or after the tenant has been away more than 7 days. **How long does an eviction case take in Rhode Island?** Time to answer or appear: At the hearing. Hearing after filing: 14 to 21 days. Judgment to writ: 6 days. These are the stated rules; the court's calendar often takes longer. **Can a Rhode Island deposit dispute go to small claims court?** The small claims limit in our data: $5,000: the most a small claims case can ask for. The court's own page explains what kinds of cases it hears. Related: [Landlord rules by state](/tools/landlord-rules-by-state) · [Kits for landlords](/toolkits/for/landlords) ## Keep rental records in order [Bookkeeping for small landlords](/bookkeeping/for/small-landlords)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)