Rhode Island Security Deposit Limit
1 month's rentRhode Island generally caps residential security deposits at 1 month's rent. A lease clause demanding more than that may be unenforceable — the FAQ below covers the exact conditions.
Educational information: generated from our Rhode Island law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.
How Rhode Island compares
30 of 51 US jurisdictions cap security deposits by statute; the other 21 set no statewide cap (local caps can still apply in some cities). Here is how Rhode Island compares with other states in our database.
| State | Security Deposit Limit |
|---|---|
| Rhode Island | 1 month's rent |
| South Carolina | no statutory limit |
| South Dakota | 1 month's rent (annual leases) |
| Tennessee | no statutory limit |
| Texas | no statutory limit |
Frequently asked questions
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Rhode Island?
- Rhode Island generally limits security deposits to 1 month's rent. Maximum 1 month rent. Additional furniture deposit allowed if furniture value exceeds $5,000. Return within 20 days after termination or receiving forwarding address. Penalty: 2x amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees.
- Does Rhode Island require landlords to pay interest on security deposits?
- No. Rhode Island does not have a statewide requirement that landlords pay interest on security deposits.
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Rhode Island?
- Rhode Island landlords generally must return the deposit within 20 days after move-out.
Check Your Lease Against Rhode Island Law
Not sure whether your lease complies with Rhode Island law? Upload it and our analyzer flags problem clauses — deposit terms, entry rights, fees and prohibited provisions — using the same statute-backed database this page is generated from.
Analyze My Lease FreeEducational tool — not legal advice. First analysis is free, no signup required.
More Rhode Island lease law guides
Educational information generated from state statute data — not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island for your specific situation.