How much notice must a landlord give before entering in Rhode Island?

Landlords in Rhode Island must provide at least 24 hours notice before entering a rental unit.

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Rhode Island
Landlord Laws
2026 Complete Guide

Q: Does Rhode Island have rent control?

No, Rhode Island does not have statewide rent control. You can raise rents by any amount with proper notice.

Everything a landlord needs to know about Rhode Island law — eviction process, security deposits, entry rights, rent control status, and local court resources.

RI District Courts →Eviction Guide

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📋

Notice Period

5 days

⏱️

Full Eviction

~65 days

💰

Deposit Max

1 month

🔑

Entry Notice

24 hrs

💳

Late Fee Cap

None

✅

Rent Control

Live Market Data · RentCast

Rhode Island Rental Market

Current rents by bedroom · top metro breakdowns · YoY trend

Mar 29, 2026

1 Bedroom

$2,175

2 Bedrooms

$2,463

3 Bedrooms

$2,750

YoY Trend

-5.2%

Days on Market

66d

Providence S

02907

1BR$1,850

2BR$1,925

3BR$2,100

YoY

-4.8%

DOM

55.68d

Listings

47

Newport

02840

1BR$2,500

2BR$3,000

3BR$3,400

YoY

-5.7%

DOM

75.43d

Listings

437

Rhode Island Eviction Process

Complete timeline for removing a non-paying or violating tenant in Rhode Island

Serve Notice

5-day written notice for non-payment of rent. Must be delivered personally or posted on door.

File Complaint

If tenant fails to pay or vacate after 5 days, file an eviction complaint at your local court. Filing fee: $80–$120.

Court Hearing

Hearing typically scheduled 7–14 days after filing. Bring your lease, all notices, rent ledger, and any communications with the tenant.

Judgment & Possession

If you win, the court issues a judgment for possession. Tenant typically has 24–72 hours to vacate. If not, obtain a writ of possession.

ESTIMATED TOTAL TIMELINE

Filing + Hearing (14d)

Writ (39d)

Average total: 65 days from notice to possession. US average is ~50 days.

Security Deposit Rules

Rhode Island security deposit laws, limits, and return requirements

💰

Maximum Deposit

1 month

Per current statutes

📅

Return Deadline

14–45 days

After tenant vacates

📋

Itemization Required

Yes

Written itemization of deductions

📈

Interest Required

Yes (check locally)

Required in some high-reg states

Rights & Responsibilities

What both parties are entitled to under Rhode Island law

✅ Landlord Rights

→Can evict holdover tenants

→No rent control

⚖️ Tenant Rights

→Repair & deduct

→Lead inspection rights

→Retaliation defense

Required Disclosures

Items you must disclose to tenants in Rhode Island before or at lease signing

📄 Lead paint (strict)

📄 Landlord identity

📄 Statement of condition

Rent Control Status

Rhode Island rent increase and rent control laws

✅

No Rent Control in Rhode Island

Rhode Island has no statewide rent control law. You can raise rents by any amount with proper notice (typically 30 days for month-to-month, or at lease end for fixed terms).

Rhode Island Landlord FAQs

Common questions answered — also powers Google rich results

How long does eviction take in Rhode Island?+

The average eviction timeline in Rhode Island is 65 days from notice to possession. The pay-or-quit notice period is 5 days. Filing fee is $80–$120.

What is the security deposit limit in Rhode Island?+

In Rhode Island, the security deposit maximum is 1 month. Landlords must return the deposit with an itemized statement of deductions.

Does Rhode Island have rent control?+

No. Rhode Island has no statewide rent control. You can raise rents by any amount with proper notice — typically 30 days for month-to-month tenancies.

How much entry notice is required in Rhode Island?+

Landlords in Rhode Island must provide at least 24 hours written notice before entering a rental unit.