How much notice is required to raise rent in Rhode Island?
60 days notice
- 60 days written notice required (§ 34-18-16.1, P.L. 2024 ch. 243)
- 120 days for month-to-month tenants over age 62
- No rent control
Legal basis: RI Gen Laws § 34-18-16.1
Know your rights as a renter in Rhode Island. This guide covers security deposits, landlord entry, rent increases, eviction protections, and more under Rhode Island law.
Legal basis: Rhode Island landlord-tenant law — Rhode Island General Laws
20
Days to Return Deposit
1 month's rent
Max Deposit
2 days
Entry Notice
Not Required
Deposit Escrow
What Rhode Island law says about deposits
Maximum Deposit
1 month's rent
Return Deadline
20 days
Penalties, interest & late-fee rules under Rhode Island law
If your deposit is wrongfully or late returned
Landlord who wrongfully withholds may owe double the deposit amount.
Interest on your deposit is not required
Grace period
No statutory late-fee grace period. The 15-day period in § 34-18-35 bars an eviction demand until rent is 15 days in arrears — it does not bar a late fee.
Must be in the lease
Yes — a late fee is only enforceable if it is written into your lease
Your privacy protections
Required Notice Period
2 days
R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-26 — 2 DAYS, not hours
In Rhode Island, your landlord must provide proper notice before entering your rental unit, except in genuine emergencies. This protects your right to privacy and peaceful enjoyment of your home.
Exceptions: Landlords may enter without notice in cases of emergency (fire, flooding, etc.) or if you've abandoned the property.
60 days notice
Legal basis: RI Gen Laws § 34-18-16.1
20 days
Legal basis: RI Gen Laws § 34-18-22
Protected
Legal basis: RI Gen Laws § 34-18-46
Early termination
Legal basis: RI Gen Laws § 34-37-4
Self-help illegal
Legal basis: RI Gen Laws § 34-18-34
Important facts about Rhode Island rental law
Rhode Island limits security deposits to 1 month's rent.
Rhode Island landlords must return deposits within 20 days of move-out.
Rhode Island requires landlords to provide a signed receipt for deposits.
Rhode Island tenants have strong protections against retaliatory evictions.
Common questions about Rhode Island tenant rights
In Rhode Island, the security deposit limit is 1 month's rent.
Rhode Island landlords must return security deposits within 20 days after you move out.
In Rhode Island, landlords must provide 2 days notice before entering your rental unit (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-26 — 2 DAYS, not hours).
Late fees in Rhode Island: No statutory cap — must be reasonable. No statutory late-fee grace period. The 15-day period in § 34-18-35 bars an eviction demand until rent is 15 days in arrears — it does not bar a late fee..
60 days notice. 60 days written notice required (§ 34-18-16.1, P.L. 2024 ch. 243). 120 days for month-to-month tenants over age 62. No rent control. Source: RI Gen Laws § 34-18-16.1.
20 days. Landlord must maintain habitability. 20 days to repair. Rent escrow available. Source: RI Gen Laws § 34-18-22.
Protected. Strong protections. Cannot evict for complaints. Document communications. Source: RI Gen Laws § 34-18-46.
Early termination. Can terminate early. Documentation required. No penalty. Source: RI Gen Laws § 34-37-4.
Self-help illegal. Self-help evictions illegal. Court process required. Utility shutoffs prohibited. Source: RI Gen Laws § 34-18-34.
Rhode Island tenants have rights including security deposit protections, notice requirements for landlord entry, habitability standards, and protections against retaliation. Use Honestkey™ to analyze your specific lease against Rhode Island law.
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