Rhode Island Guide
Rhode Island's 20-day deadline passed? Put your demand in writing.
Rhode Island landlords don't get a month — it's 20 days under R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-19, with exposure to twice the amount wrongfully withheld. A dated demand letter gives you leverage faster than many renters realize.
Write it free below. If you'd rather not deal with the printer and post office, we mail it for you — first class for $10, or certified with delivery tracking for $19.
Best fit
- Deposit not returned on time
- Itemized deductions missing or weak
- Forwarding address already provided
- Need a cleaner paper trail
This is the letter you'll send
No guessing about wording. You fill in your details and the builder produces a clean, dated demand letter like this one — ready to download or have us mail.
Kevin Doyle 88 Hope Street Providence, RI 02906
May 29, 2026
Sandra Mills Mills Property Management 120 Westminster Street Providence, RI 02903
Re: Demand for Return of Security Deposit under R.I. Gen. Laws Sec. 34-18-19
Dear Sandra Mills,
I am requesting the return of my security deposit for 45 Benefit Street, Unit 2, Providence, RI. I moved out on April 30, 2026 and provided my forwarding address for return of the deposit.
Under R.I. Gen. Laws Sec. 34-18-19, the deposit must be returned, or a written itemized notice of lawful deductions must be delivered, within the statutory deadline.
If you are claiming deductions, please send the written itemization and the remaining balance immediately. Otherwise, please return the full amount by June 12, 2026.
Please send all correspondence and payment to the mailing address listed above.
Sincerely,
Kevin Doyle
How it works
Fill in your details
Your info, the landlord's mailing address, your move-out date, and the deposit amount. Takes a couple of minutes.
Download free, or let us mail it
Print and mail it yourself at no cost — or hand it off and skip the errand entirely.
We print, stamp, and send
First class for $10, or certified mail with tracking for $19 so you have proof it was delivered.
What the 20-day rule means
Rhode Island General Laws 34-18-19 says the landlord must deliver the deposit or a written itemized notice of deductions within 20 days after termination of the tenancy, delivery of possession, or the tenant providing a forwarding address — whichever comes last.
If the landlord misses that deadline, the tenant may recover the amount due plus damages equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld, along with reasonable attorney fees. Those are real consequences — which is exactly why a written demand is the right next step once the 20 days have passed.
When the clock starts
The 20-day window opens on the latest of three things: the end of the tenancy, the physical handover of the unit, or your landlord receiving your forwarding address. All three matter.
If you have not yet provided a written forwarding address, do it now — by text, email, or certified mail — and note the date. That date starts the clock, which works in your favor.
What to put in your demand
- Your name and forwarding address
- The rental property address
- Your move-out date and possession handover date
- The date you gave the landlord your forwarding address
- The deposit amount you paid
- A specific request: return the deposit or provide a proper itemized statement
- A firm response deadline
What to expect after sending
The landlord returns the deposit. Once a formal written demand arrives with a specific deadline, many landlords move. The letter signals that you know the timeline and are documenting the situation.
The landlord sends deductions. Review them carefully. Deductions need to be specific and itemized — not just line items with dollar amounts, but descriptions of the actual damage and, ideally, supporting receipts or estimates. Normal wear and tear is not a valid deduction under Rhode Island law.
No response. The letter becomes your evidence. Bring it, along with your lease, move-out photos, and proof of mailing, to small claims court. Rhode Island small claims handles disputes up to $2,500.
Official source
General information only, not legal advice. Rhode Island security deposit disputes can involve additional rules depending on your lease and circumstances. Consult a qualified attorney or Rhode Island Legal Services if you have questions.
Choose how it gets mailed
Writing and downloading your letter is always free. You only pay if you want us to handle the printing and mailing.
Ready to write it?
Open the Rhode Island security deposit demand template, add your move-out date and deposit details, then download it free or have Forman3D print and mail it.