One month's rent. The return rule is 20 days. The controlling text is R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19.
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Rhode Island's deposit ceiling
One month's rent.
Rhode Island's return deadline
20 days.
You have 20 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant provides a forwarding address to return the deposit with an itemized statement of any deductions. It is one of the shorter clocks in New England.
The itemized statement rule
A written itemized statement of any deductions is required within 20 days. Withholding for ordinary wear is not permitted.
Account and interest rules
Rhode Island sets no separate-account or interest requirement. Hold the deposit apart from operating cash regardless.
Exposure for wrongful withholding
Up to 2x plus attorney fees (bad faith).
A landlord who fails to comply or withholds in bad faith is liable for twice the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees. The 20-day clock, triggered by the forwarding address, is the pressure point.
Compare Rhode Island with neighboring states
- Massachusetts: one month's rent; return rule: 30 days.
- Connecticut: two months' rent; return rule: 30 days.
Verified against R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19 and official state sources in July 2026. Before withholding money, check the current statute text or ask a local landlord-tenant attorney. General information, not legal advice.