Rhode Island Rental Laws
Title 34, Chapter 18, Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
| Termination for Nonpayment Notice (Eviction Notice) | 5-Day Notice Rent must be 15 Days late before the notice can be served. § 34-18-35. Eviction for nonpayment of rent. |
| Termination for Lease Violation Notice | 20 Days § 34-18-36. Eviction for noncompliance with rental agreement. |
| Small Claim Court Limit | Rhode Island Small Claim Court Limit is $2,500 |
| Handling Abandoned Property | § 34-18-50. Payment of moving costs required. |
| Penalty for Self-Help Eviction | Three times rent or three times the actual damage, whichever is greater |
| Tenant Withholding Rent for Repairs | § 34-18-30. Self-help for limited repairs. § 34-18-31. Wrongful failure to supply heat, water, hot water, or essential services. § 34-18-32. Landlord’s noncompliance as defense to action for possession or rent. |
| Required Disclosures | Owner or Agent Disclosure Foreclosure Disclosure § 34-18-20. Disclosure. Code Violations Disclosure § 34-18-22.1. Landlord’s duty to notify tenant of violation. |
| Non-Refundable Fees | |
| Security Deposit Rules | Security Deposit Amount: One Month Deadline to itemize and return of security deposit: 20 days § 34-18-19. Security deposits. |
| Month-to-Month Notice | 30 days |
| Payment of Rent | § 34-18-15. Terms and conditions of rental agreement. Grace Period § 34-18-35. Eviction for nonpayment of rent. |
| Property Entry Notice | Two Days |