How long does a landlord in Rhode Island have to return your deposit?
Rhode Island landlords have 20 days after your tenancy ends, you move out and they get your forwarding address, whichever is latest, to return your deposit, with an itemized list of anything they keep.
Choose your state to see your landlord’s deadline.
’s deadline
If you haven’t had your deposit back, or a list of what was kept, ask for it in writing and keep a copy.
No set number of days
Source: , checked October 14, 2026. Some cities and counties add rules of their own.
Write a letter asking for it, citing your state’s law.
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Other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
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- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington, DC
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
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Questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island landlords have 20 days after your tenancy ends, you move out and they get your forwarding address, whichever is latest, to return your deposit, with an itemized list of anything they keep.
What if my landlord in Rhode Island misses the deadline?
Ask for your deposit in writing, mention the law (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(b)), and keep a copy. In many states a landlord who misses the deadline loses the right to keep any of it, and some owe a penalty on top. Rhode Island’s law says what applies there; a local legal aid office can help if you’re stuck.
Do I need to give my landlord a forwarding address in Rhode Island?
Give your landlord a forwarding address in writing when you move out. The clock doesn’t start until they have it.
Sources
Last checked October 14, 2026.
This is general information, not legal advice. Laws change, and your lease, city or county can add rules of their own. For advice about your situation, talk to a lawyer or a local legal aid office.