R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19: Rhode Island security deposit rules in plain English
What R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19 says about Rhode Island security deposits: the cap, the deadline to return the deposit, itemized deductions and interest. Every fact below comes from our statute-checked data. Last verified 2026-10-22.
Quick answer
- Return deadline
- 20 days
- The 20 days start from the latest of: the tenancy ending, you handing back possession, or you giving the landlord a forwarding address for the deposit. Give that address in writing.
- The landlord must send an itemized written notice of deductions with the refund. If they don't, you can recover the amount due plus twice the amount wrongfully withheld and reasonable attorney fees.
- Maximum deposit
- A landlord may not demand or receive a security deposit, however denominated, worth more than one month's periodic rent (34-18-19(a)). A landlord renting a furnished apartment whose furniture was worth $5,000 or more when the lease was signed may charge a separate furniture security deposit (34-18-19(e)); the statute states no cap on that furniture deposit. No rental agreement may waive the section (34-18-19(h)).
- Itemized list
- Yes, an itemized list of deductions is required
- Interest
- No interest or separate-account requirement found in 34-18-19.
What R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19 says, as we verified it
Deposit limit
A landlord may not demand or receive a security deposit, however denominated, worth more than one month's periodic rent (34-18-19(a)). A landlord renting a furnished apartment whose furniture was worth $5,000 or more when the lease was signed may charge a separate furniture security deposit (34-18-19(e)); the statute states no cap on that furniture deposit. No rental agreement may waive the section (34-18-19(h)).
Interest
No interest or separate-account requirement found in 34-18-19.
Full citation: R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-19(a)-(h) Read the official text
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FAQ: R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19
How long does a landlord have to return a deposit under R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19?
Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19, a Rhode Island landlord has 20 days to return the security deposit or send an itemized list of deductions. The 20 days start from the latest of: the tenancy ending, you handing back possession, or you giving the landlord a forwarding address for the deposit. Give that address in writing. The landlord must send an itemized written notice of deductions with the refund. If they don't, you can recover the amount due plus twice the amount wrongfully withheld and reasonable attorney fees.
Is there a limit on the security deposit in Rhode Island?
A landlord may not demand or receive a security deposit, however denominated, worth more than one month's periodic rent (34-18-19(a)). A landlord renting a furnished apartment whose furniture was worth $5,000 or more when the lease was signed may charge a separate furniture security deposit (34-18-19(e)); the statute states no cap on that furniture deposit. No rental agreement may waive the section (34-18-19(h)).
Does Rhode Island require an itemized list of deductions?
Yes, an itemized list of deductions is required. Citation: R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-19(a)-(h).
Does the landlord have to pay interest on the deposit in Rhode Island?
No interest or separate-account requirement found in 34-18-19.
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Scan my Rhode Island leaseGeneral information only, not legal advice. Last verified 2026-10-22. Laws change; verify with the linked source or a licensed attorney.