20 days, counted from when your landlord has your address.
The rule
In Rhode Island, the clock starts when: tenancy ends, possession returned, or address given, whichever is last. The landlord then has 20 calendar days, but the duty to refund depends on your address. The statute says:
“…within twenty (20) days after the later of either termination of the tenancy, delivery of possession, or the tenant’s providing the landlord with a forwarding address for the purpose of receiving the security deposit.”
20 days count from whichever is last: the end of the tenancy, handing back possession, or giving your forwarding address.
For example, if you returned the keys on Oct 25, 2026 and gave your address the same day, the date would be Nov 14, 2026. Use the Clock for your own dates.
What the landlord has to send
A written notice itemizing rent, reasonable cleaning and trash disposal, and damage beyond ordinary wear and tear.
How much a deposit can be
One month's rent (a separate furniture deposit is allowed for furniture worth $5,000 or more).
Do this
On move-out day
Send your forwarding address in writing: in Rhode Island it decides when the refund is owed. Photograph every room before you return the keys.
Deductions and wear and tear
Rhode Island's statute limits what can be kept to the purposes it lists. We haven't summarised its wear-and-tear language yet; read the section linked above.
Rhode Island has statute text on specific charges:
For a charge to replace something old, Fair Charge works out a prorated estimate from the item's age and useful life, and says where the useful life comes from. See also the item guides for carpet, paint and cleaning.
If the deadline passes
The amount due plus twice the amount wrongfully withheld, and reasonable attorney fees.
“If the landlord fails to comply with subsection (b), the tenant may recover the amount due him or her, together with damages in an amount equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld, and reasonable attorney fees.”
The usual first step is a written demand that states the date the deposit was due and cites the statute. Our demand letter does that and carries any disputed deductions.
Your next steps
- Dated move-out plan for Rhode Island: notice, the steps that start the clock, and the deadline.
- Letters: forwarding address · deposit demand · notice to vacate
- Small claims: we haven't verified Rhode Island's limit or self-help page yet.
- Rhode Island tenant-rights hub
Sources
- R.I. Gen. Laws §34-18-19(b) · checked 2026-10-05
Information, not legal advice. Statutes are quoted from official legislature sites; summaries are ours. Spotted an error? Tell us.