A Rhode Island standard residential lease agreement is a legally enforceable contract to rent property. It usually lasts one year, but the landlord and tenant can agree on a different term that works for them. The agreement serves as a detailed record of the lease conditions, including the payment schedule and any additional terms, such as acceptable property uses.
Lease Length Considerations
- In Rhode Island, a standard residential lease can last up to one year. Leases longer than a year must be in writing, while oral leases are considered valid for shorter periods.
- If there is no agreement on the term of the lease, it defaults to a month-to-month arrangement. If the tenant pays rent weekly, then the default term becomes week-to-week. [1]
- Leases can include an automatic renewal clause. This clause may allow the lease to renew for the same term as the original lease or transition to a month-to-month basis upon expiration.
Required Disclosures
- Lead-based paint disclosure
- Housing code violations
- Identification of management personnel
Visit our Rhode Island lease agreement page for more information on the required disclosures.
Security Deposit
Rent Payment
- Grace Period: Tenants have a 15-day grace period to pay rent. During this time, the landlord can’t impose late fees on the tenant or initiate eviction proceedings. [4]
- Maximum Late Fee: The state doesn’t limit how much landlords can charge for late fees.
- NSF Fee: A landlord can charge a non-sufficient funds fee of no more than $25 per check. [5]
Landlord Resources
- Landlord-Tenant Laws – Chapter 34-18 (Residential Landlord and Tenant Act).
- Handbook – Rhode Island Landlord-Tenant Handbook.
