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Rhode Island Landlord-Tenant Laws 2026

Security deposit limits, notice requirements, eviction process, late fees, and more for Rhode Island landlords. All citations reference actual Rhode Island statutes.

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Disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws change frequently. Always verify current statutes with your state legislature or consult a licensed attorney before making legal decisions.
Security DepositNotice PeriodEvictionLate FeeLease TerminationRent IncreaseHabitabilityLandlord EntryFair Housing
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Security Deposit Rules

R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19
Security deposit limited to 1 month rent. Must be returned within 20 days. Itemized deductions required. Must be held in separate account.
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Notice Period Requirements

R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-37
Month-to-month requires 30 days notice. Lease violation: 20-day notice for most violations, 5 days for nonpayment.
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⚖️

Eviction Process

R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-36
Nonpayment: 5-day notice to pay. Lease violation: 20-day notice to cure. Court filing for eviction. Rhode Island has relatively tenant-protective procedures.
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Late Fee Rules

R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-15
No statutory cap on late fees. Grace period of 15 days required before late fee can be charged. Fees must be in lease.
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Lease Termination

R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-37
Fixed-term ends per lease. Month-to-month: 30 days notice. Early termination for domestic violence or military.
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Rent Increase Rules

R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-16
No statewide rent control. Proper notice required for month-to-month increases (30 days). Cannot increase during fixed-term unless lease permits.
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Habitability Standards

R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-22
Landlord must maintain premises in habitable condition, comply with building and housing codes, provide running water, heat, and electricity. Tenant may withhold rent through court process.
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Landlord Entry Rules

R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-26
Landlord must give at least 2 days notice before entry. Entry at reasonable times. Emergency entry without notice. Tenant may not unreasonably withhold consent.
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Fair Housing Protections

R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-37-4
Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, national origin, familial status, age, and marital status.
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