Quitclaim Deeds and Transferring Property in Rhode Island
How to sign and record a quitclaim or other deed in Rhode Island, and whether you can use a transfer-on-death deed to avoid probate.
Short answer: A deed must be in writing, signed by the grantor, acknowledged, delivered, and recorded in the land evidence records of the city or town where the land is located. R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 34-11-1, 44-25-1; Division of Taxation ADV 2026-01
| Signing and recording a deed | A deed must be in writing, signed by the grantor, acknowledged, delivered, and recorded in the land evidence records of the city or town where the land is located. A realty conveyance tax of $3.75 per $500 of consideration applies when the price exceeds $100 (paid by the seller unless agreed otherwise). For residential property, an additional $3.75 per $500 applies to the part of the price above a threshold that is indexed yearly; for 2026 the threshold is $824,000. Tax rates: § 44-25-1 (most recently amended effective October 1, 2025) and Division of Taxation Advisory 2026-01. |
|---|---|
| Transfer-on-death deed | Rhode Island's probate title (Title 33) contains no transfer-on-death deed chapter; proposed Uniform Real Property Transfer on Death Act bills have been introduced but are not part of the General Laws. Check for new legislation before relying on this. |
Free Rhode Island quitclaim deed template — fill in and print
More Rhode Island estate law
- Medical Power of Attorney in Rhode Island
- Small Estate Affidavit in Rhode Island
- Power of Attorney in Rhode Island
- Who Inherits If You Die Without a Will in Rhode Island
- How to Make a Valid Will in Rhode Island
- How Probate Works in Rhode Island
- Living Wills and Advance Directives in Rhode Island
- Revocable Living Trusts in Rhode Island
- Executor Duties in Rhode Island
- Letters Testamentary in Rhode Island
- Affidavit of Heirship in Rhode Island
- How to Avoid Probate in Rhode Island
- Transferring a Car After Someone Dies in Rhode Island
- All Rhode Island wills, probate and estate rules
FAQ
What does a quitclaim deed need to be valid in Rhode Island?
A deed must be in writing, signed by the grantor, acknowledged, delivered, and recorded in the land evidence records of the city or town where the land is located. A realty conveyance tax of $3.75 per $500 of consideration applies when the price exceeds $100 (paid by the seller unless agreed otherwise). For residential property, an additional $3.75 per $500 applies to the part of the price above a threshold that is indexed yearly; for 2026 the threshold is $824,000.
Does Rhode Island allow transfer-on-death deeds?
Rhode Island's probate title (Title 33) contains no transfer-on-death deed chapter; proposed Uniform Real Property Transfer on Death Act bills have been introduced but are not part of the General Laws.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.