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    Rhode Island Security Deposit Return Letter

    Landlords must deliver the itemized notice and any deposit balance within 20 days after the latest of tenancy termination, delivery of possession, or the tenant giving a forwarding address (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(b)). The security deposit return letter below is preset for Rhode Island: fill in your details, then print it or save it as a PDF.

    State rules last verified: · Researched and cited by MakeLease · not yet attorney-reviewed

    Rhode Island rules for a security deposit return letter

    Deadline to return the security deposit
    20 days after the triggering event R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(b)
    Itemized list of deductions
    Required R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(b)
    Penalty for a late or improper return
    The amount due plus damages equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld, and reasonable attorney fees R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(c), (h)

    Security Deposit Return Letter generator

    State and dates

    Rhode Island: Landlords must deliver the itemized notice and any deposit balance within 20 days after the latest of tenancy termination, delivery of possession, or the tenant giving a forwarding address (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(b)).

    The day the tenant moved out and returned the keys.

    Rhode Island's deadline depends on more than one date, so the form does not compute it. Landlords must deliver the itemized notice and any deposit balance within 20 days after the latest of tenancy termination, delivery of possession, or the tenant giving a forwarding address (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(b)).

    Parties

    Everyone named on the lease. Separate names with commas.

    Where you are sending this letter and any refund. Use the address the tenant gave you in writing.

    Deposit

    $
    $

    Only if your state, city or lease requires interest on deposits. Leave empty otherwise.

    Itemized deductions

    One line per charge: what it is for and the amount. Unused lines are left out. Rhode Island: Deductions for unpaid rent, reasonable cleaning and trash removal, and damage beyond ordinary wear and tear must be itemized in a written notice sent with any balance within the 20-day period (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(b)).

    $
    $
    $
    $
    $
    $

    Several states require supporting documents for repair or cleaning charges. Attach them when you have them.

    Refund or balance

    For example, a note that an estimate will be followed by the final invoice.

    Blank PDF

    Free, no account needed. Showing example details. Replace them with yours.

    Security Deposit Return Letter

    Itemized statement of deductions

    Date:November 12, 2026
    Rental property:123 Maple Street, Unit 4, Springfield
    To (former tenants):Alex Morgan, Sam Rivera
    Forwarding address:88 Birch Road, Apt 2, Shelbyville
    From (landlord):Jordan Ellis, 500 Oak Avenue, Springfield
    Move-out date:October 31, 2026

    Dear Alex Morgan, Sam Rivera:

    This letter accounts for the security deposit you paid for 123 Maple Street, Unit 4, Springfield. You moved out on October 31, 2026. Below is an itemized list of each amount deducted from the deposit and the reason for it, followed by the balance.

    Itemized deductions

    No.Description of chargeAmount
    1Patch and paint hole in bedroom wall$180.00
    2Replace broken bathroom mirror$95.50
    3Remove furniture and trash left in garage$150.00
    Total deductions$425.50

    Deposit accounting

    ItemAmount
    Security deposit received$1,800.00
    Less total deductions- $425.50
    Amount refunded to tenant$1,374.50

    The refund of $1,374.50 is enclosed or sent with this letter by check no. 1043 on November 12, 2026.

    Copies of receipts, invoices or estimates supporting the deductions are enclosed.

    If you have questions about any deduction, contact Jordan Ellis at (555) 010-2030.

    Deposit return rules for Rhode Island: R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(b).
    Landlord or agent signature (Jordan Ellis)
    Date

    Made free at make.lease/forms/security-deposit-return-letter

    What Rhode Island requires

    Deadline to return the security deposit

    Landlords must deliver the itemized notice and any deposit balance within 20 days after the latest of tenancy termination, delivery of possession, or the tenant giving a forwarding address (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(b)).

    R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(b) · checked October 26, 2026

    Itemized list of deductions

    Deductions for unpaid rent, reasonable cleaning and trash removal, and damage beyond ordinary wear and tear must be itemized in a written notice sent with any balance within the 20-day period (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(b)).

    R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(b) · checked October 26, 2026

    Penalty for a late or improper return

    A landlord who does not comply with the deposit-return rules owes the tenant the amount due plus damages of twice the amount wrongfully withheld and reasonable attorney fees (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(c)).

    R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(c), (h) · checked October 26, 2026

    If the triggering event falls on October 31, 2026, 20 calendar days later is November 20, 2026. The form computes this deadline from the dates you enter and shows it under the letter date.

    City and county rules can be stricter than state law, and your lease can require more than the statute does. Use whichever rule gives the tenant more time or protection.

    More for Rhode Island landlords