Rhode Island Security Deposit Demand Letter (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19)
Moved out and still waiting on your deposit? A clear, written demand is usually the first step — and often the last one needed. Answer the questions below and your letter fills itself in as you type.
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[Your forwarding address]
October 15, 2026
[Landlord or property manager name]
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — [Rental address]
Dear [Landlord or property manager name],
I was a tenant at [Rental address] and moved out on [Move-out date]. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of [Deposit amount ($)]. So far none of my deposit has been returned, and I have not received an itemized statement of deductions.
Under Rhode Island General Laws § 34-18-19, a landlord must return the security deposit, with a written, itemized notice of any deductions, within 20 days after the later of the end of the tenancy, delivery of possession, or the tenant providing a forwarding address. This letter provides my forwarding address in writing.
Please send [Deposit amount ($)] to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 29, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for the amount due, plus damages equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld, and reasonable legal fees.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
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How security deposits work in Rhode Island
Rhode Island gives landlords 20 days to return the security deposit, counted from the latest of three events: the end of the tenancy, the tenant's delivery of possession, or the tenant providing a forwarding address for the deposit. The landlord may deduct unpaid rent, reasonable cleaning and trash disposal costs, and physical damage beyond ordinary wear and tear.
Any deductions must be itemized in a written notice delivered to the tenant together with the money due. Because the 20-day clock may not start until the landlord has a forwarding address, tenants should provide one in writing as soon as possible. This letter includes your forwarding address for that purpose.
If the landlord fails to follow these rules, the tenant may recover the amount due plus damages equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld, and reasonable legal fees. Rhode Island generally caps a security deposit at one month's rent, and a lease cannot waive these protections.
What to do, step by step
Fill in your details
Answer the questions above. Your letter updates live as you type, so you can check every detail before you send it.
Send it in a way you can prove
Mail the letter by certified mail with return receipt and keep the receipt. If your lease lists an email address for notices, send a copy there too.
Wait for a reply
Give your landlord the 14 days stated in the letter. For reference, Rhode Island's own deadline under R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19 is 20 days after move-out.
Gather your evidence
Collect your lease, move-in and move-out photos, any inspection checklist, rent receipts and every message about the deposit.
File in small claims if needed
If the deposit still doesn't come back, you can file in small claims court (Rhode Island limit: $5,000). Bring this letter and your proof of mailing.
What if the landlord ignores the letter?
Silence doesn't end the matter. Your letter creates a dated record that you asked for the deposit back and gave a reasonable deadline — exactly what a small claims judge will want to see.
In Rhode Island, the rules are set out in Rhode Island General Laws § 34-18-19. If a landlord keeps a deposit without following them, a court may award the amount due, plus damages equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld, and reasonable legal fees.
Small claims court is designed for people representing themselves: filing fees are modest, forms are short, and hearings are informal. In Rhode Island the limit is $5,000, which covers nearly every deposit dispute.
Example Rhode Island security deposit demand letter
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Jordan Rivera
88 Pine Ave, Springfield
October 5, 2026
Oakview Property Management
500 Market St, Suite 200, Springfield
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield
Dear Oakview Property Management,
I was a tenant at 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield and moved out on August 31, 2026. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of $1,800.00. So far you have returned $300.00, leaving $1,500.00 outstanding.
Under Rhode Island General Laws § 34-18-19, a landlord must return the security deposit, with a written, itemized notice of any deductions, within 20 days after the later of the end of the tenancy, delivery of possession, or the tenant providing a forwarding address. This letter provides my forwarding address in writing.
I returned all keys on August 31 and took dated photos of every room, which show the unit clean and undamaged apart from normal wear and tear.
Please send $1,500.00 to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 19, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for the amount due, plus damages equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld, and reasonable legal fees.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
Jordan Rivera
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Rhode Island landlord have to return a deposit?
20 days, counted from the latest of the end of the tenancy, your delivery of possession, or the date you give the landlord a forwarding address. Sending your address in writing helps make sure the clock is running.
What can a Rhode Island landlord deduct from my deposit?
Unpaid rent, reasonable cleaning and trash disposal costs, and physical damage beyond ordinary wear and tear that resulted from not meeting your obligations as a tenant. Each deduction must be itemized in a written notice.
What is the penalty for wrongfully keeping a deposit in Rhode Island?
A court can award the amount due, plus damages equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable legal fees. Taken together, that can mean up to three times the withheld amount.
Can I sue for my deposit in Rhode Island small claims court?
Yes. Rhode Island District Court hears small claims of $5,000 or less. Bring your lease, photos, this letter and your proof of mailing, and confirm the current filing fee with the clerk.
Do I have to send a demand letter before going to small claims?
Many courts expect you to have asked for the money first, and a written demand is the simplest proof that you did. It also resolves a large share of disputes on its own.
How should I send the letter?
Use a method that gives you proof of delivery, such as certified mail with return receipt. Keep a copy of the letter and the receipt together.
FairLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Letters are templates you customize and send yourself.