General deposit maximum1 month’s rent
Ordinary residential security deposit.
Return / itemization20 days
Measured after the latest of three statutory triggers.
Normal wearExcluded
Physical damage deductions do not include ordinary wear and tear.
Wrongful withholding2× amount wrongfully withheld
Plus reasonable attorney fees under subsection (c).
What to preserve
- Lease and security-deposit receipt.
- Tenancy termination date.
- Date possession was delivered.
- Date forwarding address was provided and proof of delivery.
- Written itemization and refund.
- Move-in and move-out condition evidence.
Rhode Island uses the latest of three dates
Do not calculate the 20-day period from move-out alone. Section 34-18-19 uses the later of termination, delivery of possession, or the tenant providing a forwarding address for the security deposit.
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
Rhode Island General AssemblyR.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19 — Security deposits ↗
Official Rhode Island security-deposit statute covering the one-month cap, 20-day return/itemization rule, permissible deductions, furniture deposits and remedies.
Rhode Island General AssemblyRhode Island Law Revision Office ↗The General Assembly office responsible for maintaining and disseminating the most current Rhode Island General Laws.