Rhode Island Small Claims Court for a Security Deposit
Limits: $5,000 (District Court small claims only). Court: District Court (small claims). Limitation period listed in our state data: 10 years. Filing fees vary by county; service costs may be extra. See the table. E-filing verified in 0/9 counties. Typical demand-letter response window: 20 days.
County court coverage and fees
9 listed counties · E-filing: Yes 0, No 0, Not verified 9
Deposit return deadlines
- 20 calendar days after the later of termination of the tenancy, delivery of possession, or tenant providing a forwarding address for receiving the security deposit.
From a letter to court
- Send a Rhode Island security deposit demand letter stating the deposit amount supported by your records. Give the landlord your forwarding address in writing.
- Before you file: review the deposit return deadlines above and allow the typical response window of 20 days after your letter.
- Time limit to sue in Rhode Island: 10 years.
- Check the court's filing instructions. Keep your lease, payment records, photos, letter, and proof of delivery ready.
How to file
Forms: Court forms and filing information
File online: Varies by county
Attorneys allowed: Yes
Free Rhode Island template, built from verified state data
I rented [rental property address] from [lease start date] to [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[amount]. I returned the keys on [date] and gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date]. Under Rhode Island law (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19), a landlord must return the deposit or send a written, itemized list of deductions within 20 calendar days after the later of termination of the tenancy, delivery of possession, or tenant providing a forwarding address for receiving the security deposit.
Key facts
| Small claims limit | $5,000 (District Court small claims only) |
|---|---|
| Court | District Court (small claims) |
| Limitation period listed in our state data | 10 years |
| Forwarding address required | Yes |
| Bad faith required | No |
| Itemization required | Yes |
What you can recover
tenant may recover the amount due together with damages equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney fees. Bad faith required: No.
County small claims courts
| County | Court and city | Limit | Filing fee | E-filing | Court link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence | Rhode Island District Court, Sixth Division, Providence | $5,000 | Statewide filing fee: Confirm current filing and service fees with the District Court clerk. | Not verified | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| Kent | Rhode Island District Court, Third Division, Warwick | $5,000 | Statewide filing fee: Confirm current filing and service fees with the District Court clerk. | Not verified | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| Washington | Rhode Island District Court, Fourth Division, Wakefield | $5,000 | Statewide filing fee: Confirm current filing and service fees with the District Court clerk. | Not verified | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| Newport | Rhode Island District Court, Second Division, Newport | $5,000 | Statewide filing fee: Confirm current filing and service fees with the District Court clerk. | Not verified | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| Bristol County | Rhode Island District Court - Sixth Division, Providence | $5,000 (District Court small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Kent County | Rhode Island District Court - Third Division, Warwick | $5,000 (District Court small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Newport County | Rhode Island District Court - Second Division, Newport | $5,000 (District Court small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Providence County | Rhode Island District Court - Sixth Division, Providence | $5,000 (District Court small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Washington County | Rhode Island District Court - Fourth Division, Wakefield | $5,000 (District Court small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
Detailed guides for 9 counties
Statute says
If the landlord fails to comply with subsection (b), the tenant may recover the amount due him or her, together with damages in an amount equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld, and reasonable attorney fees.
What this means
Tenant resources
- Rhode Island Legal Serviceslegal aid in Providence, 401-274-2652
- Rhode Island Center for Justicelegal aid in Providence, 401-491-1101
- Rhode Island Attorney General - Consumer Protectionag consumer in Cranston, 401-274-4400
- Rhode Island Judiciary - District Court Small Claimscourt self help
FAQ
What is the small claims limit in Rhode Island?
$5,000 (District Court small claims only)
What is the statute of limitations?
Limitation period listed in our state data: 10 years.
Can I recover more than my deposit?
tenant may recover the amount due together with damages equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney fees. Bad faith required: No.
Which court handles the claim?
District Court (small claims)
Should I send a demand letter first?
First listed deposit return deadline: 20 calendar days after the later of termination of the tenancy, delivery of possession, or tenant providing a forwarding address for receiving the security deposit. Typical response window after a demand letter: 20 days.