A Rhode Island sublease agreement is a legally binding contract between a current renter of an apartment or home (“sublessor”) and a secondary renter (“sublessee” or “subtenant”).
In Rhode Island, subleasing may be specifically allowed or not in the lease. A tenant may sublease their dwelling if it’s permitted or not mentioned. If the lease explicitly forbids subletting, then the tenant may not sublease.
In some cases, a sublease may be allowed but only with the written approval of the landlord.
Laws & Requirements
Sublease and Assignment Provision Laws: No.
Landlord-Tenant Laws: Title 34, Property (Chapter 34-18)
Security Deposit Obligations: Rhode Island law requires the sublessor to return the security deposit within 20 days of the end of the sublease.
Notices: If a subtenant doesn’t pay rent on time, a sublessor must provide them with five days’ notice to pay rent or leave. If a sublessor intends to end the original lease or the sublease, they must inform the subtenant within 10 days (week-to-week leases), 30 days (month-to-month leases), or three months (for yearly leases with no end dates).
Sample
Download a Rhode Island sublease agreement template in PDF or Word format below:
