If you need a Rhode Island security deposit demand letter, start here.
This page gives you a usable free sample and explains when to send it.
The important thing: a demand letter is one step in the process. It is not always enough by itself. Timing, documentation, and follow-up are what make the letter stronger.
When to Use This Letter
Use this letter if:
- you rented in Rhode Island
- you moved out and delivered possession
- 20 days have passed after the later of the tenancy ending, possession being delivered, or you providing a forwarding/contact address
- your landlord has not sent the required refund balance or written itemization
- you want to make a clear written request before taking the next step
Rhode Island generally uses a 20 days after the later of tenancy termination, delivery of possession, or the tenant providing a forwarding address rule.
Sample Security Deposit Demand Letter
You can copy this sample, fill in your details, and send it yourself.
[Your Name]
[Your Current Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
[Email Address]
[Date]
[Landlord's Name]
[Landlord's Address]
Re: Security Deposit for [Rental Address]
Dear [Landlord's Name],
I am writing regarding the security deposit for the rental property at [Rental Address].
My tenancy ended on [Termination Date], I delivered possession on [Possession Date], and I provided my forwarding/contact address for the deposit and notice on [Forwarding Address Date]. The later of those dates was [Later Date].
Under Rhode Island General Laws § 34-18-19, the landlord must deliver the notice, together with the amount of the security deposit due to the tenant, within 20 days after the later of termination of the tenancy, delivery of possession, or the tenant providing a forwarding address.
That deadline has now passed, and I have not received the full security deposit / a compliant written itemization and refund balance.
Please return the amount due from my security deposit, or provide a compliant written itemization and any remaining balance, within 5 business days of receiving this letter.
If any amount is being withheld, please identify the specific deduction category and support for the charge. Rhode Island allows only the categories listed in the security-deposit statute, including unpaid accrued rent, reasonable cleaning expenses, reasonable trash-disposal expenses, and physical damage beyond ordinary wear and tear.
If this is not resolved, I may pursue the remedies available under Rhode Island law, including the amount due, damages equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld, and reasonable attorney fees where the facts support that remedy.
Please send any payment and correspondence to the address listed above.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Why the Demand Letter Is Only One Step
The letter matters because it creates a clear record.
But the letter is stronger when it fits into a sequence:
- Step 1 documents move-out and the forwarding address before the problem starts
- Step 2 sends the first clear demand after the Rhode Island deadline passes
- Step 3 follows up with the rule, deduction limits, and records
- Step 4 makes a final demand before deciding whether to file
That sequence is often more effective than sending one long, aggressive letter and hoping it works.
You can use the free sample above. The paid system just gives you all four Rhode Island steps in order, with the timing and follow-up already organized.
What to Include
Include the facts that matter:
- your name
- rental address
- termination date
- possession-delivery date
- forwarding-address date
- whether the address was a reliable address for the deposit and notice
- deposit amount
- amount returned, if any
- whether you received any written itemized statement
- whether any cleaning, trash, or damage charge is supported
- short deadline for response
Also keep copies of:
- lease
- move-out photos
- proof of your forwarding address
- proof of sending
- any response from the landlord
How to Send It
Send it in a way you can prove later.
A practical approach is:
- send it by a trackable method
- email a copy if you have a reliable email address
- keep the letter, receipt, email, and any response
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- sending the demand before the 20-day window has passed
- counting only from move-out and ignoring possession or forwarding-address timing
- ignoring the written itemization requirement
- mentioning double damages or attorney fees without also showing the missed deadline, written itemization problem, deduction issue, and amount wrongfully withheld
- sending a long emotional message instead of a clear request
Keep it short. Keep it factual.
Related
- Rhode Island Security Deposit Deadline
- What Landlords Can Deduct in Rhode Island
- Rhode Island District Court for Security Deposit Claims
Disclaimer
This page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice.