Reference: the security deposit rule in each state and covered city. To settle a deposit, use the free Deposit settlement tool.

Reference

Security deposit rules in Rhode Island

Rhode Island: return the deposit within 20 calendar days of the latest of the end of the tenancy, move-out and receipt of the forwarding address. Interest: no. Penalty if the rule is not followed (no bad faith needed): 2x the amount withheld. (R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-19)

The rule in plain words

Return by: 20 calendar days after the latest of the end of the tenancy, move-out and receipt of the forwarding address.
Deductions allowed: unpaid rent, cleaning to move in condition, damage beyond wear. Normal wear and tear never. Depreciation: none.
Interest: No.
Penalty: 2x the amount withheld if the rule is not followed (no bad faith needed).
Deposit cap: 1 month(s) of rent.

The rule text

The landlord shall deliver the notice, together with the amount of the security deposit due to the tenant, within twenty (20) days after the later of either termination of the tenancy, delivery of possession, or the tenant’s providing the landlord with a forwarding address for the purpose of receiving the security deposit.

R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-19(b). Source: R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-19 Security deposits, read 2026-10-09.

Research notes (1)

How we sourced this rule: where the text was read and what we could not check.

Last amended P.L. 2018, ch. 229 and ch. 260.

Worked example

A $2,000.00 deposit; the tenant moved in on June 1, 2023 and out on September 30, 2026. Intended deductions: $300.00 unpaid rent, $150.00 cleaning and a $1,200.00 carpet that was 5 years old.

Return by: October 20, 2026
20 calendar days after the latest of the end of the tenancy, move-out and receipt of the forwarding address.
Allowed deductions: $1,650.00
Of $1,650.00 claimed.
Refund due: $350.00
Interest $0.00.

The draft statement for this example

DRAFT ITEMIZED STATEMENT OF SECURITY DEPOSIT
Rule: R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-19 (Rhode Island)
Move-out date: September 30, 2026

Security deposit held                            $2,000.00
Deduction: Unpaid rent                            -$300.00
Deduction: Cleaning                               -$150.00
Deduction: Carpet                               -$1,200.00
Total deductions                                -$1,650.00
Refund due to tenant                               $350.00
Return by                                   October 20, 2026

Notes:
- Itemized under R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-19.

Settle a deposit in Rhode Island

required

Where and how much

The state sets the rules; a covered city adds its own.

StateCityAdds the city's ordinance where we cover one.Deposit heldMonthly rentChecks the deposit cap.Units in the buildingInterest depends on it in IL, NY.

Dates

The dates start the clock.

Tenant moved outTenancy startedFor interest and item ages.Lease endedIf not the move-out day.Forwarding address receivedStarts or holds the clock in CT, IA, MN, RI, SD, TX, WY.Tenant's written demand receivedStarts the clock in AZ, KS, MD, MS, OK, SC, UT.New tenant moved inCan start the clock in WI, WV.Notice of claim sentFlorida: the day you sent the notice of your claimReturn period in the lease (days)The lease may set it in CO, ID, ME.

The tenant gave the notice the statute requiresChanges the deadline in AK.Repairs exceed the deposit and need a contractorCan extend the deadline in VA, WV.

Check as of another date

Check as ofDefaults to today. Use it to see where a past or future date stands.

Deductions

What you intend to keep; leave it empty to return everything. An item's age depreciates carpet, paint, blinds and appliances.

Deduction 1

CategoryAmountItem age or install dateNormal wear and tearOrdinary aging: never deductible.

Up to 9 lines.

Documentation

Some states require receipts or dated photos before a deduction stands.

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Computes and cites the published rule; it is not legal advice. You sign the statement: check the statute, your lease and any local ordinance first. Read the disclaimer.

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