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Legal Rights Handbook

Rhode Island Renter Rights & Landlord Laws 2025

Everything tenants and landlords need to know about Rhode Island housing laws. Eviction rules, deposits, and rights.

Updated January 15, 2026
5 min read

Rhode Island Renter Rights & Landlord Laws Guide 2025

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and individual situations vary. Always consult with a qualified attorney for specific legal counsel.

1. Overview: Tenant-Friendly vs. Landlord-Friendly

Rhode Island is widely considered a Tenant-Friendly state. The legal framework heavily favors renters, particularly regarding security deposits, eviction procedures, and landlord entry rights. Landlords in Rhode Island face strict regulations and significant procedural hurdles, making it essential to follow the law precisely.

Landlord Friendliness Score: Low

This means landlords have fewer automatic rights, and the courts often rule in favor of tenants if proper procedures are not followed.

2. Security Deposits: Limits and Return

Rhode Island law is strict to protect tenants from unfair withholding of funds.

Limits

  • Maximum Amount: Landlords may charge a maximum of one (1) month's rent as a security deposit.
  • Separate Account: Landlords must hold the deposit in a separate, interest-bearing account in Rhode Island. They must provide the tenant with the account details (bank name and address) within 30 days of receiving the deposit.

Return Deadline

  • Timeline: The deposit (plus any accrued interest) must be returned to the tenant within 20 days of the lease termination.
  • Itemized Deductions: If any portion is withheld for damages, the landlord must provide a written, itemized list of deductions along with the remaining balance. Receipts for repairs may be required.

Penalty for Non-Compliance

If a landlord fails to return the deposit or provide the required accounting, the tenant may be entitled to double the amount of the deposit plus attorney's fees.

3. Eviction Rules: The Process

Evictions in Rhode Island are judicial and require strict adherence to notice requirements. Landlords cannot "self-help" evict (e.g., changing locks or shutting off utilities).

The 5-Day Notice (Non-Payment)

  • Notice Period: For non-payment of rent, Rhode Island requires a 5-Day Notice to Pay or Quit.
  • Process: This notice informs the tenant they have five days to pay the full rent owed or vacate the premises.
  • Filing: If the tenant does not pay or leave within 5 days, the landlord may file an eviction lawsuit (Summary Process) in the District Court.

Other Grounds for Eviction

  • Lease Violation: For material lease violations (other than non-payment), a landlord usually must provide a 20-Day Notice to Quit (for week-to-week tenancies) or a 30-Day Notice to Quit (for month-to-month tenancies).
  • No Lease/End of Lease: If a tenant stays past the lease end without a new agreement, a 30-Day Notice to Quit is generally required.

Court Process

  • Speed: While the notice period is short (5 days for non-payment), the court process can take several weeks to months depending on the court's docket.
  • Tenant Defenses: Tenants can raise defenses such as failure to maintain habitability (heat, water, etc.), improper notice, or retaliation.

4. Landlord Entry: Notice Required

Rhode Island respects tenant privacy. Landlords cannot enter the rental unit whenever they please.

  • Notice Requirement: Landlords must provide at least 24 hours' notice before entering a tenant's unit.
  • Consent: Entry is generally permitted for:
    • Repairs or maintenance.
    • Property inspections.
    • Showing the unit to prospective buyers or tenants.
  • Emergencies: No notice is required in case of an emergency (e.g., fire, flood, suspected illegal activity).

5. Rent Control

  • Statewide Status: Rhode Island does not have statewide rent control.
  • Local Ordinances: Currently, no major Rhode Island cities (such as Providence, Warwick, or Cranston) have active rent control ordinances.
  • Rent Increases: Landlords may generally increase rent at the end of a lease term or with proper notice for month-to-month tenancies (typically 30 days). There is no statutory cap on the amount of the increase, provided it is not discriminatory or retaliatory.

6. Special Warning for Landlords: The "Low Friendliness" Risk

Because Rhode Island is Tenant-Friendly, landlords face significant risks if they cut corners. The courts are sticklers for procedure.

  • The Trap of "Self-Help": Never attempt to remove a tenant or their belongings without a court order and the assistance of a sheriff constable. Changing locks or removing windows is illegal and can result in the landlord owing the tenant significant damages.
  • Notice is Everything: If you file for eviction based on a 5-day non-payment notice, ensure the notice was served correctly (some jurisdictions require personal service; others allow posting). If the notice is flawed, the case will be dismissed.
  • Security Deposit Pitfalls: The double-damage penalty for mishandling deposits is severe. Keep meticulous records, hold funds in the correct account, and send the itemized statement via certified mail.
  • Habitability Defense: Tenants can withhold rent or sue for "constructive eviction" if the unit is uninhabitable (e.g., lack of heat, water, or rodent infestation). Regular maintenance is not just good practice; it is a legal defense against eviction in RI.

7. Special Warning for Tenants: Know Your Rights

As a Rhode Island renter, you have strong protections, but you must act within specific timelines.

  • Do Not Ignore Court Papers: If you receive a "Summary Process" (eviction) summons, respond immediately. Failure to file an answer with the court usually results in an automatic default judgment against you.
  • Withhold Rent Cautiously: While you have the right to a habitable home, withholding rent without following proper legal procedures (such as putting rent in an escrow account or providing official notice) can lead to eviction for non-payment. Consult a lawyer before withholding rent.
  • Document Everything: Take photos of the unit's condition upon move-in and move-out. Keep copies of all rent payments, emails, and texts with your landlord.
  • Illegal Retaliation: It is illegal for a landlord to evict or raise rent in retaliation for you reporting code violations to a health or building inspector. If you suspect retaliation, document the timeline of events.

Not legal advice. Consult an attorney.