Rhode Island Rental Laws
Your Rhode Island Rental Laws Guide to helpful links and information for leases, rent, security deposits, tenant screening, real estate and government.
Official Website of the State of Rhode Island
The United States Census Bureau estimates that the population of Rhode Island was 1,055,173 on July 1, 2014, a 0.25% increase since the 2010 United States Census
The State of Rhode Island has 5 counties.
State Rules and Regulations
- Keys Laws Landlords and Tenants Need to Know
- Rhode Island Residential Landlord and Tenant Code
- Local Tenant Rights, Laws, and Protections:
- Rhode Island Landlord Tenant Handbook
Important Lease Terms
Security Deposits
- Amount: 1 Month
- Return Deadline: 20 Days
Fees and Notices
- Applications Fees: No Restrictions
- Termination Notice: 20 days for material noncompliance.
- Tenant Rights to Withhold Rent: Yes
Landlord Disclosures
- Rhode Island Required Landlord Disclosure
- The Lead Disclosure Rule: Federal law requires that before signing a lease for housing built before 1978, renters must receive The Lead Based Paint EPA Disclosure and Lead Based Paint EPA Pamphlet
Real Estate Links
- Rhode Island Real Estate Business Regulation
- Rhode Island Verify Real Estate Agent License
- Verify RE Agent License Nationwide and Canada
Federal Government
- Fair Credit Reporting Act: Federal Government legislation which promotes the accuracy, fairness, and privacy of consumer information contained in the files of consumer reporting agencies.
- Fair Housing Act: The Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination when they are renting, buying, or securing financing for any housing. The prohibitions specifically cover discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability and the presence of children
Credit Reports
Tenant Screening
- Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Counties covered: Bristol, Kent, Newport, Providence, Washington
Last Updated: April 16, 2020