What is a Rhode Island Quitclaim Deed?
In the state of Rhode Island (RI), a quitclaim deed is used to quickly transfer ownership and interest in a property from the owner (grantor) to a buyer (grantee) without any guarantee that the grantor has the right to make this transfer. This type of deed is best used when the two parties know and trust one another.
The type of deed that provides a guarantee to the title is a warranty deed.
A RI quitclaim deed may sometimes be called “quit claims deed,” “quit claim deed,” “or quick claim deed” by mistake.
Important Laws & Requirements
- Laws: § 34-11-17 and § 34-11-1.1
- Recording: A quitclaim deed in Rhode Island is submitted for filing at the city or town office where the property is located. There is no county-level process in Rhode Island for filing quitclaim deeds.
- Signing: According to § 34-11-1.1, the grantor has to sign the Rhode Island quitclaim deed in front of a notary public for notarization.
How to Write & File a Quitclaim Deed in Rhode Island
Step 1: Find and download the Rhode Island quitclaim deed.
Step 2: Fill in the information about the person preparing the form in the upper left-hand corner. You will need the preparer’s name and address.
Step 3: Next, record the mailing address for the person who wishes to receive the deed after it is recorded. This is usually the new owner or grantee, but it does not have to be. Use the proper mailing address to ensure the deed gets to the right person.
Step 4: After the words “County Of,” write the Rhode Island county where the property being transferred is located.
Step 5: After the words “Know All Men by These Presents, That,” write the grantor’s full name, followed by the word “grantor.”
Step 6: Write the grantor’s mailing address, county, city, and state.
Step 7: After the words “hereby grants to,” record the same information for the grantee. Remember to record the grantee’s county before the city and state.
Step 8: Write the property’s county again after the words “County of.” After that, record the legal description of the property. This is easily found on the current deed or in the county records for the property. The legal description must include the property’s address.
Step 9: Take the document to a notary public for the grantor to sign it. Underneath the signature, the grantor should print their name and address. The notary will witness and notarize the document.
Step 10: Go to the city records office to submit the Rhode Island quitclaim deed form. The actual type of office you take it to will vary depending on the city where the property is located. Pay any filing fees charged by the city and submit the deed.
