Rhode Island Lease Agreements

Key Takeaways

• The maximum limit for a security deposit is one (1) month’s rent, although a second deposit can be added in the case of valuable furniture.
• A landlord has 20 days to return the deposit to the tenant at the end of the lease.
• When rent is 15 days late, a landlord may issue a five (5) day notice of termination in the event of nonpayment.
• A landlord should provide two (2) days’ notice of their intent to enter.

Rhode Island Lease Agreement Templates

Residential Lease Agreement

Residential Rental Agreement

Used 5,261 times

Save time and resources by using this customizable residential rental agreement to create legally binding contracts with your tenants. It includes detailed sections about all aspects of a typical tenancy, including terms, responsibilities, rent, duration, insurance, maintenance, and more.

Use Residential Rental Agreement

This template lays out the terms and conditions for renting a residential property in Rhode Island, ensuring that both landlords and tenants have a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities.

Rhode Island Apartment Lease

Specifically designed for apartment rentals in Rhode Island, this lease agreement covers important details such as rent, utilities, and building regulations.

Rhode Island Room Rental

Tailored for renting out individual rooms within a property, this template helps landlords and tenants establish clear guidelines for shared living spaces.

Rhode Island Month-to-Month Lease

Offering flexibility without a long-term commitment, this lease agreement allows for short-term rental arrangements in Rhode Island.

Commercial Lease Agreement

This agreement is crafted for leasing commercial properties in Rhode Island, addressing key aspects such as lease terms, rent adjustments, and property use restrictions.

Lease to Purchase Agreement

Providing a structured framework for lease-to-own arrangements, this agreement offers tenants in Rhode Island the option to purchase the property in the future.

Sublease Agreement

Facilitating subleasing arrangements, this agreement ensures clarity and professionalism between the original tenant and the subtenant.

Understanding Rhode Island Rental Laws

Understanding Rhode Island’s rental laws is simpler when you have Rhode Islandlease agreement templates. Lease agreements in the state need to follow the laws in the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act from the Rhode Island Statutes (Chapter 18 Residential Landlord and Tenant Act). Find the key points listed here. 

Security Deposit Limits

• The maximum limit for a security deposit is one (1) month’s rent.
• A separate furniture security deposit of up to one (1) month’s rent is allowed if the value of the furniture provided is $5,000 or greater.
• If the property is sold or passed on to someone else, the new owner of the premises will take responsibility for the security deposit. 

• A landlord can retain part or all of the security deposit to cover unpaid rent, repairs for damages beyond wear and tear, cleaning, and trash disposal.
• Landlords must provide tenants with itemized accounts of the expenses with the security deposit.
• A landlord should return the deposit to the tenant within 20 days of the end of the tenancy. If they fail to do so, the tenant is entitled to recover the amount due and damages up to twice the withheld amount.

Eviction Procedures

When using Rhode Island lease agreement templates, it’s essential to consider these clauses relating to eviction.

• If a tenant is 15 days late with the rent, then the landlord can provide a written notice asking for payment within five (5) days and stating that nonpayment will result in the termination of the tenancy.
• Following the notice and nonpayment, a landlord can start the eviction process on the sixth (6th) day after sending the notice. Full payment of the rent to reinstate the tenancy is possible before the suit commences. It’s also possible after proceedings start if a late payment notice hasn’t been issued in the last six (6) months. 
• A landlord can provide notice to quit to a tenant if they breach the terms of the rental agreement. The notice should identify the breach and give the tenant the opportunity to remedy it within 20 days.
• If the tenant doesn’t remedy the breach, the landlord can start eviction proceedings the day after the termination. They may also seek damages from the tenant.

Right to Enter (Landlord)

Rhode Island laws set out the landlord’s right to enter the premises and the tenant’s obligations to consent to entry requests.

• Tenants have an obligation to not unreasonably withhold consent if a landlord requests access.
• Reasonable reasons for entering include repairs, inspecting the premises, improvements, supplying necessary services, and showing the property to prospective tenants, buyers, and contractors.
• Apart from emergencies, the landlord should give the tenant two (2) days’ notice of their intent to enter and should only do so at reasonable times.

Disclosures

Landlords must share specific information with prospective tenants before entering into a rental agreement. A landlord must disclose the following

• Authorized agents – The name and address of the person managing the premises and the same details of the owner or person authorized to act on their behalf.
• Foreclosure – If a property may be subject to a foreclosure
• Lead-based paint – Landlords must inform tenants about any lead-based paint used in the home in residences built before 1978. A pamphlet about protection from lead hazards must be provided. 
• Registering with the Department of Health – Landlords must also register their details and a certificate of conformance regarding lead hazard mitigation with the Department of Health.
• Housing code violations – the tenant must be made aware of any outstanding violations.