What Is a Rhode Island Lease Agreement?
A Rhode Island lease agreement is a legally binding contract that defines the requirements and roles of a landlord and tenant. The form sets expectations and creates a written record of the different terms and procedures for the living arrangement. An effective lease agreement must comply with state laws and include the signatures of all the parties involved.
Use Legal Templates’s free Rhode Island lease agreement to draft your contract. Our forms allow you to enter your own terms while meeting state requirements.
Rhode Island Landlord-Tenant Laws
Rhode Island’s landlord-tenant laws limit and outline rent payments, security deposits, late fees, and more. View the table below to get an idea of the most relevant lease laws in Rhode Island.
| Topic | Regulation | Statutes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent control | N/A | None |
| Security deposits | No more than 1 months' rent | RI Gen L § 34-18-19 |
| Late fees | No laws, but should be included in the lease terms | None |
| Grace periods | Landlord must provide a 15 day grace period | RI Gen L § 34-18-35 |
| Landlord entry | At least 2 days' notice | RI Gen L § 34-18-26 |
Rhode Island Lease Agreements- By Type
Depending on the property and the desired lease duration, your form may include different terms and sections. Consider and compare the types of Rhode Island lease agreements to find the one that best suits your situation.
Rhode Island Standard Lease Agreement
Sets up a rental arrangement for a property.
Rhode Island Month-to-Month Rental Agreement
Allows tenants to reside in a property on a month-to-month basis without a set long-term obligation.
Rhode Island Commercial Lease Agreement
Lets a business entity rent a space for conducting its commercial activities.
Rhode Island Room Rental Agreement
Specifies the terms of renting a room within a property, including duration, payment, and rules.
Rhode Island Sublease Agreement
Permits the sublessee to lease the entire or a portion of the rented property for a designated duration.
Rhode Island Rent-to-Own Lease Agreement
Includes an option to purchase the property at the end of the lease.
Rent Payment Regulations in Rhode Island
Rhode Island has no set rent control laws, but landlords should remain reasonable to avoid disputes. Additionally, they may only enact rent increases at the end of a lease term, and all increases require 30 days’ notice, or 60 days’ notice for tenants who are 62 years or older.
The state doesn’t restrict how much landlords can charge for late fees. However, they must provide a 15-day grace period. If the tenant doesn’t pay rent within this period, the landlord may issue a 5-day notice to quit for non-payment of rent.
Rhode Island Security Deposit Limits
In Rhode Island, a security deposit cannot exceed the equivalent of one month’s rent for the lease. At the end of the lease term, the deposit must be returned to the tenant within 20 days of the termination. A landlord can deduct costs for unpaid rent or damages beyond normal wear and tear. All deductions must be recorded, itemized, and sent to the tenant.
Landlord Entry and Repair Laws in Rhode Island
When a landlord needs to enter the property to perform inspections or repairs, they must give at least 2 days’ notice to the tenant. They should also plan to enter at a reasonable time. In emergency situations, no notice is required.
Rhode Island laws also outline each party’s duties for property maintenance and repairs. Landlords must maintain the premises in habitable condition and provide access to essential services, including heating, air conditioning, hot water, and plumbing. The tenant also agrees to keep plumbing fixtures clean and to avoid damage to the property.
If the landlord fails to complete repairs or comply with their obligations within 20 days of being notified, the tenant can withhold their rent. A tenant can also seek repairs themselves if the costs are under $500 and deduct the expenses from their rent. In this case, they must provide proper notice and send an itemized statement. The tenant cannot withhold or deduct rent if the damage is caused by their own intentional or negligent actions.
Required Disclosures for Rhode Island Leases
Landlords provide disclosure forms to promote transparency and provide tenants with important information. Rhode Island laws require the following lease disclosures:
- Landlord and Authorized Agent Identification
- Outstanding Code Violations
- Lead-Based Paint Disclosure for properties built before 1978
Terminating a Rhode Island Lease Agreement
When the lease period ends and either party wants to terminate it, they must follow the procedures outlined in the state laws and in the terms of the agreement. In Rhode Island, ending a month-to-month tenancy requires a 30-day termination notice.
If the tenant abandons their belongings at the end of the lease, the landlord should store their items for a reasonable period and make a good-faith attempt to contact them. If the landlord removes the tenant’s personal property during an eviction, the tenant must pay moving and prepaid storage costs.
Rhode Island Lease Agreement Sample
Legal Templates’s free Rhode Island lease agreement sample document displays the necessary terms and legal considerations. Use our downloadable template to create an effective lease contract. Our forms are customizable and available in PDF and Word formats.
