Move-In / Move-Out Checklist in Rhode Island

Record the condition of each room on move-in and again on move-out, with photos. It is the best evidence in a security deposit dispute. Some states require a move-in condition form.

What Rhode Island law says

Itemized deductions	Written itemized notice of deductions sent with the refund. Allowed deductions: unpaid accrued rent, reasonable cleaning, reasonable trash disposal, and damage beyond normal wear and tear caused by the tenant. Source: R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(b)
Wear and tear / move-out charges	Not defined, but excluded: the landlord may deduct only unpaid accrued rent, reasonable cleaning expenses, reasonable trash disposal expenses, and physical damage to the premises 'other than ordinary wear and tear' caused by the tenant's failure to meet statutory tenant duties, itemized in a written notice delivered with the balance within 20 days after the later of termination, delivery of possession, or the tenant providing a forwarding address. Wrongful withholding: tenant recovers the amount due plus twice the amount wrongfully withheld and attorney fees. A separate furniture deposit (allowed for furnishings worth $5,000+) is also subject to an ordinary-wear-and-tear exclusion. Painting and carpet are not specifically addressed. Source: R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(b)-(c)

Itemized deductions

Written itemized notice of deductions sent with the refund. Allowed deductions: unpaid accrued rent, reasonable cleaning, reasonable trash disposal, and damage beyond normal wear and tear caused by the tenant.

Source: R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(b)

Wear and tear / move-out charges

Not defined, but excluded: the landlord may deduct only unpaid accrued rent, reasonable cleaning expenses, reasonable trash disposal expenses, and physical damage to the premises 'other than ordinary wear and tear' caused by the tenant's failure to meet statutory tenant duties, itemized in a written notice delivered with the balance within 20 days after the later of termination, delivery of possession, or the tenant providing a forwarding address.

Wrongful withholding: tenant recovers the amount due plus twice the amount wrongfully withheld and attorney fees. A separate furniture deposit (allowed for furnishings worth $5,000+) is also subject to an ordinary-wear-and-tear exclusion. Painting and carpet are not specifically addressed.

Source: R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(b)-(c)

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MOVE-IN / MOVE-OUT CONDITION CHECKLIST — [rental address]

Tenant: [tenant name] Landlord: [landlord name]

Move-in date: [move-in date] Move-out date: [move-out date]

Living room — walls, floors, windows, lights: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Kitchen — appliances, cabinets, sink, counters: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bathroom(s) — toilet, tub/shower, sink, fan: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bedroom(s) — walls, floors, closets, windows: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms tested: move-in ______ / move-out ______ Keys given: [number of keys]

Photos taken on: [photo dates]. Signed by tenant ____________ and landlord ____________

Move-In / Move-Out Checklist for other states · Rhode Island tenant rights

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.