Rhode Island deposit law, in plain English.

What your landlord has to do with your deposit after you move out. Each rule links to the official text.

• 20 days.

  Your landlord has 20 days after the latest of your tenancy ending, you handing back the place, or you giving a forwarding address, to send an itemized notice with what's left of your deposit.

  § 34-18-19(b)

• Off limits.

  Ordinary wear and tear. They can deduct unpaid rent, reasonable cleaning and trash removal, and real damage.

  § 34-18-19(b)

• Twice what they kept.

  Break the rule and you can recover what's owed, plus twice the amount wrongfully kept, plus lawyer's fees.

  § 34-18-19(c)

Checked against the official text on October 19, 2026. General information, not legal advice. Cities can add their own rules.