Rhode Island General Laws Chapter 34-18 caps residential security deposits at one month's rent and sets return procedures that Providence landlords must follow under state preemption.
Rhode Island's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, codified at General Laws Chapter 34-18, governs security deposits for Providence rentals. Landlords may collect a deposit not exceeding one month's rent and must return the deposit, less itemized lawful deductions, within twenty days after tenancy ends and the tenant supplies a forwarding address. Wrongful withholding can expose the landlord to damages equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld plus reasonable attorney fees. Providence enforces these standards through housing court referrals and as part of just-cause and rental-registration oversight.
Wrongful withholding can result in double-damage awards, attorney fees, and additional consequences if combined with a retaliatory eviction or registration violations.
See how Providence's security deposit rules rules stack up against other locations.
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