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Rhode Island

Rhode Island Landlord-Tenant Laws

Security deposit limits, eviction notices, rent control, and more for Rhode Island.

How we research these summaries

Every rule on this page is drawn from state statutes and municipal codes and summarized with AI assistance. Each one cites the statute it's based on and links to a published text of that law so you can read it firsthand. Where a page says a city or county has no local rule on a topic, that means none was found for the topics covered here — not that none exists. Local governments also regulate rental housing in ways these pages don't track, including registration, licensing, inspections and habitability standards. These summaries may be incomplete or out of date, laws change often, and every property and tenancy has specifics a summary can't capture — so treat this as a starting point for your own research, not as legal advice, and check with the local jurisdiction and a qualified attorney before acting on your particular situation.

What to Know in Rhode Island

Sources last checked July 2026

Rhode Island requires 60 days' written notice before a rent increase for most tenants, but 120 days for a tenant 62 or older on a month-to-month tenancy, under RIGL § 34-18-16.1. There's no statewide cap on the size of an increase, and a Providence ordinance capping increases at 4% was vetoed by the mayor after passing the council, with the override failing in 2026 — so no local rent cap exists. Deposits are capped at one month's rent, and a landlord can't collect both a deposit and prepaid last month's rent, under § 34-18-19.

  • Under RIGL § 34-18-35, after rent is 15 days past due, a landlord may make a written demand for payment within 5 days.
  • Under the Rhode Island Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (RIGL § 34-18-37), a tenant on a month-to-month tenancy must provide at least 30 days' written notice to the landlord...
  • No rent control — no statutory cap on rent increases
  • 60-day advance written notice required for rent increases
  • Security deposits capped at 1 month's rent
5 rules summarized · Each linked to the law it cites

Security Deposit Limits

Security Deposit Limits

What is the security deposit limit in Rhode Island?

Under RIGL § 34-18-19, a landlord may not demand or receive a security deposit exceeding one month's rent. A landlord who holds both a security deposit and a prepayment of the last month's rent is not in compliance with the statute. The landlord must return the security deposit, along with a written statement of any deductions, within 20 days after the tenant vacates, returns keys, and provides a forwarding address. Wrongful withholding entitles the tenant to recover twice the amount wrongfully withheld, plus attorney's fees.

RIGL § 34-18-19

Eviction Notice Requirements

Eviction Notice Requirements

What are the eviction notice requirements in Rhode Island?

Under RIGL § 34-18-35, after rent is 15 days past due, a landlord may make a written demand for payment within 5 days. If the tenant fails to pay within those 5 days, the landlord may terminate the tenancy and commence an eviction action. For a material noncompliance other than nonpayment, the landlord must deliver a written notice specifying the act or omission and providing the tenant 20 days to remedy the breach (RIGL § 34-18-36). If not cured within 20 days, the tenancy terminates. Illegal activity that materially affects the health or safety of others allows termination without a cure period. Rhode Island does not have a statewide just-cause eviction requirement for unsubsidized private rentals.

RIGL §§ 34-18-35, 34-18-36

Rent Increase Notice Periods

Rent Increase Notice Periods

How much notice is required for rent increases in Rhode Island?

Under RIGL § 34-18-16.1, as updated by 2024 legislation, a landlord must give at least 60 days' written notice before a rent increase takes effect for most residential tenants. For tenants who are 62 years of age or older on a month-to-month tenancy, the landlord must provide at least 120 days' advance written notice of any rent increase. The notice must clearly state the new rental amount and the date it becomes effective. Rhode Island has no limit on the amount of a rent increase. A tenant's failure to object to the notice does not constitute acceptance of the increase.

RIGL § 34-18-16.1

Rent Control / Rent Increase Caps

Rent Control / Rent Increase Caps

Is there rent control in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island has no statewide law capping the amount by which a landlord may increase rent. There is no rent stabilization or rent control statute in effect. The state's Home Rule Amendment grants cities and towns some authority to regulate local affairs. Providence passed a 4% rent-cap ordinance by a 9-6 council vote on April 17, 2026, but the mayor vetoed it the same day and the council's override attempt failed on May 16, 2026, so no local rent cap is in effect. Landlords may raise rent by any amount, provided they give the notice required under RIGL § 34-18-16.1.

RIGL § 34-18-16.1

Move-Out & Lease Termination Notice

Move-Out & Lease Termination Notice

What is the move-out notice requirement in Rhode Island?

Under the Rhode Island Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (RIGL § 34-18-37), a tenant on a month-to-month tenancy must provide at least 30 days' written notice to the landlord to terminate the tenancy. Tenants on a week-to-week tenancy must provide at least 10 days' written notice. Failure to provide proper notice may result in the landlord applying the security deposit to cover the rent owed for the notice period. For fixed-term leases, the lease terminates at the end of the stated term without additional notice being required, unless either party provides notice under the lease terms. Landlords terminating a month-to-month tenancy must also provide 30 days' written notice.

RIGL § 34-18-37

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