Rhode Island law limits a residential security deposit to one month's periodic rent. After the tenancy ends, the landlord has 20 days to return the deposit and provide an itemized written statement of any deductions. A landlord who wrongfully withholds funds faces damages of twice the amount withheld plus attorney fees.
Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19, "A landlord may not demand or receive a security deposit, however denominated, in an amount or value in excess of one month's periodic rent." A separate furniture deposit (up to one additional month's rent) is allowed only for furnished units whose furnishings are worth $5,000 or more. The deposit, minus any lawful deductions, must be returned within 20 days after the later of termination of tenancy, delivery of possession, or the tenant's providing a forwarding address. Deductions are limited to unpaid rent, reasonable cleaning, trash disposal, and physical damages beyond ordinary wear and tear, and must be itemized in a written notice delivered to the tenant.
If a landlord wrongfully withholds a deposit or fails to provide the itemized statement, the tenant may recover the amount due plus damages equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld and reasonable attorney fees (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19).
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