Tenant Rulebook
General information from state law and official guides, not legal advice. Cities and counties can add their own rules.

All states

Landlord and tenant rules in Rhode Island

The statewide rules on deposits, notice, entry and rent in Rhode Island, mainly from the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, R.I. Gen. Laws chapter 34-18. Checked 29 October 2026.

Security deposits and fees

Security deposit limit

1 month's rent1R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-19(a)

A security deposit may not be more than one month's rent.

Deposit return deadline

20 days1R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-19

The landlord must return the deposit, less lawful deductions, within 20 days after the latest of the end of the tenancy, the tenant moving out or the tenant giving a forwarding address.

Interest on deposits

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Late fees

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Notice, entry and rent

Tenant ending a month-to-month tenancy

30 days2R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-37(b)

Either side can end a month-to-month tenancy with written notice given at least 30 days before the end date in the notice.

Landlord ending a month-to-month tenancy

30 days2R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-37(b)

Either side can end a month-to-month tenancy with written notice given at least 30 days before the end date in the notice.

Notice of a rent increase

60 days (120 days for month-to-month tenants over 62)3R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-16.1

The landlord must give written notice at least 60 days before a rent increase. Month-to-month tenants over 62 must get at least 120 days' notice.

Statewide rent limits

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Landlord entry

2 days4R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-26(c)

The landlord must give at least two days' notice and may enter only at reasonable times, except in an emergency or where notice is impracticable.

Notice for unpaid rent

5 days, once rent is 15 days late5R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-35(a)

Once rent is 15 days overdue, the landlord may mail a demand, and the tenant has five days from the mailing date to pay before an eviction can be filed.

Many cities and counties add their own rules, such as rent stabilization or longer notice periods, and a lease can give a tenant more protection than the law requires. Check your local housing office or a legal aid group before you act.

Sources

  1. R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-19, State of Rhode Island General Assemblyofficial
  2. R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-37, State of Rhode Island General Assemblyofficial
  3. R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-16.1, State of Rhode Island General Assemblyofficial
  4. R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-26, State of Rhode Island General Assemblyofficial
  5. R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-35, State of Rhode Island General Assemblyofficial

"Secondary" sources reproduce the official text. We use them only where the official site could not be read.