Landlord kept your deposit? Entered without notice? Threatening eviction? Describe what happened in your own words and get a plain-English breakdown, severity rating, step-by-step next steps, and ready-to-send letters — specific to Rhode Island law.
Get My Rhode Island Action Plan — Free to StartRhode Island landlords must return the deposit with an itemized written notice within 20 days after the later of termination, delivery of possession, or receipt of the tenant's forwarding address (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19), and deposits are capped at one month's rent; violations can cost twice the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees. Landlords must give at least 2 days' notice before non-emergency entry. Rent must be 15 days overdue before a landlord can send the 5-day demand notice, which functions as an effective 15-day grace period.
20 days after move-out, with an itemized statement for any deductions.
Landlords must generally give 48-hour notice before entering, except in emergencies.
No. Eviction requires a court process — lockouts, belongings removal, and utility shutoffs without a court order are illegal.
Rhode Island Legal Services (Help RI Law) at (401) 274-2652. You can also call or text 211 for local referrals.