Rhode Island Rental Lease Laws: What Your Lease Can and Can't Say

Rhode Island lease law FAQ

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island generally limits security deposits to 1 month's rent. Conditions can apply — see the Rhode Island security deposit limit guide for details.

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Rhode Island?

Generally 20 days after move-out. Conditions can apply — see the Rhode Island deposit return deadline guide for details.

Do landlords have to pay interest on security deposits in Rhode Island?

No statewide statute requires it in Rhode Island, though local ordinances or your lease can add the obligation. Conditions can apply — see the Rhode Island deposit interest rules guide for details.

How much notice does a landlord need to enter my apartment in Rhode Island?

Generally at least 48 hours. Conditions can apply — see the Rhode Island landlord entry notice guide for details.

Is there a limit on late fees in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island sets no fixed percentage cap, but late fees must be reasonable and can be challenged if punitive. Conditions can apply — see the Rhode Island late fee laws guide for details.

How many days late can rent be before fees in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island's 15-day grace period applies only to the timing of a nonpayment notice — the landlord must wait 15 days before sending one; it is not a statutory bar on charging late fees; for other tenancies the lease controls. Conditions can apply — see the Rhode Island rent grace period guide for details.

What lease clauses are illegal in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island law restricts 4 clause types tracked in our database, such as: waiver of implied warranty of habitability; waiver of tenant rights; confession of judgment clause.

What disclosures must a landlord provide in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island requires: Lead Paint (Disclosure of known lead-based paint hazards for housing built before 1978); Radon (Disclosure of radon hazards and mitigation); Housing Code Violations (Disclosure of any outstanding housing code violations).