A Rhode Island standard lease agreement is a legally enforceable contract for renting property, typically between a landlord and a tenant, and usually spans a duration of one year. The tenant is required to pay both the security deposit and the first month’s rent either at the lease signing or before moving in.
Considerations on Lease Length
- 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 (RI Gen. Laws § 34-18-15).
- 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.
Security Deposit
- Maximum Amount ($): One month’s rent (§ 34-18-19(a)).
- Returning to Tenant: Within 20 days (§ 34-18-19(b)).
Rent Grace Period
There is no legally mandated grace period for paying rent.
Landlord Resources
- Landlord-Tenant Laws – Chapter 34-18 (Residential Landlord and Tenant Act).
- Handbook – Rhode Island Landlord-Tenant Handbook (PDF).
