States/Rhode Island/Cleaning & Trash
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Rhode Island Cleaning & Trash Security Deposit Deductions

Section 34-18-19(b) permits deductions for unpaid accrued rent, reasonable cleaning expenses, reasonable trash-disposal expenses and qualifying physical damage other than ordinary wear and tear.

Last reviewed: August 30, 20261 official source cited
CleaningReasonable expenses

Expressly listed as a potential deduction.

Trash disposalReasonable expenses

Also expressly listed.

Physical damageBeyond ordinary wear

Must relate to tenant noncompliance under the statute.

Review the amount, not just the label

  • What cleaning or trash work was actually performed?
  • Is there an invoice or documented labor/cost basis?
  • Was the condition documented at move-out?
  • Is any part ordinary turnover rather than a tenant-caused condition?
  • Is the same service charged twice?
Use the latest of the statutory trigger dates. Rhode Island’s 20-day period is not always measured from physical move-out alone. Educational information only.

Official sources

Related Rhode Island guides