The rule
- Deposit limit
- 1 month’s rent
- Return deadline
- 20 days
- Interest owed
- Not required
- Itemized deductions
- Required
- The limit
- A separate furniture deposit of up to one month’s rent is allowed if the furnishings are worth $5,000 or more.
- The deadline
- Within 20 days after the latest of termination, delivery of possession, or the tenant providing a forwarding address.
- Interest
- State law doesn’t require interest on the deposit.
- Deductions
- The landlord must give you an itemized list of anything kept from the deposit.
- If it isn’t returned
- Tenant recovers the amount due plus damages equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld, and reasonable attorney’s fees.
Law: R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19
Last reviewed September 30, 2026
Not legal advice. Statutes change; check the linked section.