Rhode Island Tenant Rights Guide
Security deposits, eviction laws, rent control, and tenant protections in Rhode Island
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Rhode Island's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-1 et seq.) caps deposits at 1 month's rent and requires return within 20 days with itemization. Landlords must give 24 hours advance notice before entry. Tenants have a limited repair-and-deduct right of up to $125 or half a month's rent after proper written notice.
Security Deposit Max
1 month's rent
Deposit Return
20 days
Entry Notice Required
24 hours
Rent Control
Not permitted
Just Cause Eviction
Not required
Repair & Deduct
Allowed
Detailed Protections
✅
Security Deposit Limit
1 month's rent (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19)
Strong Protection
✅
Deposit Return Period
20 days after move-out with itemized statement
Strong Protection
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Entry Notice Required
24 hours except emergencies (§ 34-18-26)
Protection Exists
❌
Rent Control
Not permitted statewide
No Protection
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Repair & Deduct
Up to $125 or ½ month's rent after proper notice (§ 34-18-30)
Protection Exists
❌
Just Cause Eviction
Not required
No Protection
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Retaliation Protection
Prohibited — R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-46
Protection Exists
Last reviewed 2026. Laws change — verify with your state attorney general or a local tenant rights organization.
Common Questions
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