Rhode Island Security Deposit Return Letter

Date: [[Date of Letter]]

From (Landlord or Authorized Agent):
[[Landlord or Property Management Company Full Name]]
[[Landlord Mailing Address]]
[[City]], Rhode Island [[ZIP Code]]
Phone: [[Landlord Phone]]
Email: [[Landlord Email]]

To (Former Tenant):
[[Former Tenant Full Name(s)]]
[[Forwarding Address, Street]]
[[City]], [[State]] [[ZIP Code]]

Re: Return of Security Deposit, Premises at [[Rental Property Full Address]], [[City]], Rhode Island [[ZIP Code]]

Tenancy Termination Date: [[Move-Out / Lease Termination Date]]
Date Possession Delivered / Keys Returned: [[Key Return / Possession Date]]
Original Security Deposit Amount: $[[Original Security Deposit Amount]]

Dear [[Former Tenant Name(s)]]:

Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19 of the Rhode Island Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, this letter constitutes the required written accounting and return of your security deposit.

Rhode Island law requires that the landlord return the security deposit or provide an itemized statement of any lawful deductions, together with payment of any balance due, within twenty (20) days after the later of:

• Termination of the tenancy

• Delivery of possession of the Premises

• Receipt of the tenant's forwarding address for the purpose of returning the deposit

The security deposit may be applied only to:

• Unpaid rent

• Reasonable costs to repair damage beyond ordinary wear and tear

• Reasonable cleaning costs necessary to return the Premises to the condition at the beginning of the tenancy (excluding ordinary wear and tear)

Landlord may not deduct for ordinary wear and tear or for conditions that existed at move-in and were noted on the move-in checklist., -

Itemized Statement of Deductions and Return

Original Security Deposit Held: $[[Original Security Deposit Amount]]

Itemized Deductions:

1. Unpaid rent for period [[Rent Period]]: $[[Unpaid Rent Amount]]

2. Repairs for damage beyond ordinary wear and tear (see attached photos and receipts/estimates): $[[Repair Deduction Amount]]

Description: [[Specific description of damage repaired, e.g., "Carpet replacement in living room due to pet urine stains and damage not present at move-in"]]

3. Cleaning to restore Premises to move-in condition (beyond ordinary wear): $[[Cleaning Deduction Amount]]

Description: [[Specific cleaning items, e.g., "Professional carpet cleaning and wall touch-up painting"]]

4. Other lawful deductions (specify and attach documentation): $[[Other Deduction Amount]]

Description: [[Description]]

Total Deductions: $[[Total Deductions Amount]]

Balance Due to Tenant: $[[Balance Amount]]

Method of Payment: Check #[[Check Number]] in the amount of $[[Balance Amount]] is enclosed with this letter / Electronic transfer to account on file / Mailed separately on [[Date Mailed]]., -

Documentation Requirement

For any single deduction exceeding one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125.00), or as otherwise required, copies of receipts, invoices, or written estimates supporting the deduction are attached to this letter as Exhibit A.

If no receipts are available for a deduction, a written estimate or itemized statement of the work performed and materials used is provided., -

Calculation Summary

Forwarding Address Confirmation

The balance and this statement are being sent to the forwarding address you provided:

[[Forwarding Address as Confirmed]]

If this address is incorrect or if you have a new address, please notify Landlord immediately in writing., -

Pre-Move-Out Inspection

Landlord offered you the opportunity to be present at a pre-move-out inspection. [[You participated on [[Inspection Date]] / You declined the opportunity / No response was received]].

The move-in/move-out condition checklist (Exhibit B) documents the condition of the Premises at the beginning and end of the tenancy., -

Important Tenant Rights Notice

If you believe any deduction is improper or if the deposit (or balance) and itemized statement were not provided within the twenty (20) day period, you may have the right to sue the landlord in Small Claims Court or appropriate court for:

• Return of the wrongfully withheld amount

• Up to twice the amount wrongfully withheld

• Costs and reasonable attorney's fees

(R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19)

You should retain copies of all documentation, photos, and this letter., -

Enclosures

• Check or proof of payment for balance due (if any)

• Exhibit A: Supporting receipts, invoices, or estimates

• Exhibit B: Move-In / Move-Out Condition Checklist (copy)

• Photos of damage (if applicable), -

Contact for Questions

If you have questions about this accounting, contact:

[[Landlord or Agent Name]]
[[Phone]]
[[Email]]

Please allow reasonable time for response.

Sincerely,

[[Landlord or Authorized Agent Full Name]]

Signature: _______________________________ Date: [[Date]], -

Disclaimer and Sources

> Template, not professional legal advice. This Rhode Island Security Deposit Return Letter template is provided as a sample to assist landlords in complying with R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19 as of June 2026. Security deposit rules, deadlines, and remedies are subject to change. This document does not create an attorney-client relationship. Landlords must accurately itemize only lawful deductions and provide supporting documentation where required. Tenants and landlords should consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney or review the current statute and court procedures for their specific situation. Failure to comply with the 20-day rule and itemization requirements may result in significant penalties.

Primary Sources (as of June 2026):

• R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19 (Security deposits, amount cap; 20-day return requirement with itemized statement; liability for twice the amount wrongfully withheld)

• R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-1 et seq. (Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, general provisions on deposits, deductions, and tenant remedies)

• Rhode Island Housing Landlord-Tenant Handbook (security deposit section)

• Rhode Island Small Claims Court procedures for deposit disputes, -

*This is a sample template. Complete all exhibits and attach actual supporting documents. Use only lawful deductions supported by evidence. Deliver on time.*