Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Statutes

Title 34. Property

Chapter 34-18. Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

Current through 2011 Legislative Session

� 34-18-19. Security deposits

(a) A landlord may not demand or receive a security deposit, however denominated, in an amount or value in excess of one month's periodic rent.

(b) Upon termination of the tenancy, the amount of security deposit due to the tenant shall be the entire amount given by the tenant as a security deposit, minus any amount of unpaid accrued rent and the amount of physical damages to the premises, other than ordinary wear and tear, which the landlord has suffered by reason of the tenant's noncompliance with � 34-18-24, all as itemized by the landlord in a written notice delivered to the tenant. The landlord shall deliver the notice, together with the amount of the security deposit due to the tenant, within twenty (20) days after the later of either termination of the tenancy, delivery of possession, or the tenant's providing the landlord with a forwarding address for the purpose of receiving the security deposit.

(c) If the landlord fails to comply with subsection (b), the tenant may recover the amount due him or her, together with damages in an amount equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld, and reasonable attorney fees.

(d) This section does not preclude the landlord or tenant from recovering other damages to which he or she may be entitled under this chapter.

(e) In the event the landlord transfers his or her interest in the premises, the holder of the landlord's interest in the premises at the time of the termination of the tenancy is bound by this section.

(f) No rental agreement shall contain any waiver of the provisions of this section.