Rhode Island Law: Plain-English Guides

Key Rhode Island facts

Security deposit deadline

20 days after the latest of: termination of tenancy, delivery of possession, or the tenant providing a forwarding address. R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(b)

Eviction notice for unpaid rent

Once rent is 15 days in arrears, landlord may mail a written demand; tenant has 5 days from mailing to pay or the rental agreement terminates. R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-35

Small claims limit

$5,000, exclusive of interest and costs, for contract claims, tax claims for money only, money claims arising from a retail sale of goods or services to the public, and claims on negotiable instruments. R.I. Gen. Laws 10-16-1

Small estate affidavit

If an estate is made up entirely of personal property worth no more than $15,000 (not counting the decedent's tangible personal property), a relative (spouse, child, grandchild, parent, sibling, niece, nephew, aunt or… R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-24-1

Cost of a protective order

No filing fee for a Family Court domestic abuse complaint. Family and District Court orders are free; R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-15-2(c); RICADV Restraining Orders page

Minimum wage

$16.00 per hour since January 1, 2026. R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 28-12

Final paycheck if fired

Due on the next regular payday, at the usual place of payment. If the job ends because the employer is closing, merging, selling or moving the business out of state, all wages are due within 24 hours. R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-14-4

Time limit to sue on a debt

10 years. Rhode Island's general civil limitations period covers contract claims, written or oral. Contracts under seal have 20 years. R.I. Gen. Laws 9-1-13(a); 9-1-17