Rhode Island Security Deposit Demand Letter
A free Rhode Island security deposit demand letter that follows Rhode Island law. Fill in the boxes, check the rules below, then print or copy it. Keep a copy and proof of how you sent it.
What Rhode Island law says
| Deposit return deadline | 20 days after the latest of: termination of tenancy, delivery of possession, or the tenant providing a forwarding address. Source: R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(b) |
|---|---|
| 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) |
| Penalty for withholding | Amount due plus damages equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees. Source: R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(c) |
| 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. Source: R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(b)-(c) |
Fill in your letter
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To: [landlord or manager name], [landlord address]
From: [your name], former tenant at [rental address]
I moved out and returned the keys on [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[deposit amount]. I gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date you gave your address].
Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(b), a landlord must return the deposit, or send an itemized list of lawful deductions, by the deadline set in that law. I have not received [the deposit / an itemized list].
Please send $[amount owed] to [forwarding address] within [number] days of this letter.
If I do not receive it, I plan to file a claim in small claims court and ask for any additional amount allowed by R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(c).
Date: [today's date]
Tenant: [your name]
Signature: ____________________
How to send it: use a method you can prove — certified mail with return receipt, or email/text if your lease allows notices that way. Write down the date.
Security Deposit Demand Letter templates for other states · All Rhode Island landlord-tenant rules · Free legal help in Rhode Island
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.