Rhode Island Standard Residential Lease Agreement Template

Maximum Amount: 1 month’s rent (§ 34-18-19(a)). For furnished units where the furniture’s replacement value is $5,000 or greater, the landlord is permitted to charge an additional month’s rent as a separate furniture deposit (§ 34-18-19(e)).

• Receipt Required? No.

Return Period: The landlord must return the security deposit, minus any lawful deductions, within 20 days after the termination of the tenancy, delivery of possession, or the tenant providing a forwarding address (§ 34-18-19(b)).

• Itemized List Required? Yes. If withholding funds for unpaid rent, reasonable cleaning expenses, or damage beyond normal wear and tear, the landlord must deliver an itemized written accounting within the 20-day return window (§ 34-18-19(b)).

Fee & Utility Responsibility Disclosures (if applicable): If there are fees beyond the rent that apply to the rental of a unit, the lease must disclose those fees in the same section as the rent. The lease must also detail which utility costs are included in the rent, and whether tenant’s insurance is required. This information must be provided to the tenant in writing if there is no written lease (§ 34-18-15(a)).

General Liability Insurance Policy Disclosure: The landlord must maintain a general liability insurance policy of at least $100,000 for any injuries due to negligence that may occur on the premises. The tenant must be provided with a copy of this policy’s declaration page at the statement of the tenancy, and with every policy renewal (§ 34-18-22(a)(7)).

Housing Code Violations Disclosure (if applicable): The landlord must inform any prospective tenant in writing of any outstanding housing code violations affecting the property (§ 34-18-22.1(b)).

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: For residential structures constructed before January 1, 1978, landlords must distribute the federal EPA Lead Hazard Pamphlet (PDF) and disclose any known lead-based paint hazards before lease execution (40 CFR § 745.113). Under the Rhode Island Lead Poisoning Act, the landlord must also maintain required lead certificates and disclose any lead hazard inspection results to the tenant (§ 23-24.6-17).

Mortgage Delinquency/Foreclosure Notice (if applicable): If a landlord becomes delinquent on the mortgage securing the property for 120 days or longer, they must inform the tenant in writing that the property may be subject for foreclosure (§ 34-18-20(d)).

Owner and Agent Name and Address Disclosure: By the start of the tenancy, the landlord must disclose to the tenant in writing the name, address, and telephone number of the property manager, as well as the owner or person authorized to receive legal notices and service of process § 34-18-20(a)).