Providence County, Rhode Island: Where to File a Security Deposit Claim and What It Costs
Listed court is Rhode Island District Court - Sixth Division in Providence. Check venue on the court's official page or with the clerk. Filing fee: set by the court; see its fee table. Claims up to $5,000. Rhode Island return time: 20 calendar days. ACS two-bedroom rent: $1,305. Enter your dates below and send the dated letter first.
| Court listed | Rhode Island District Court - Sixth Division |
|---|---|
| City | Providence |
| Address | One Dorrance Plaza, Providence, Rhode Island 02903-2719 |
| Phone | (401) 458-5400 (listed in the state court directory 2026-09-21; not confirmed by the court) |
| Statewide filing fee | Current court fee schedule |
| Small claims limit | $5,000 (District Court small claims only) |
| State deposit return deadline |
|
| Time limit to sue | 10 years |
| Deposit statute | R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19 |
Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk.
Details
Limits: $5,000 (District Court small claims only).
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Details of the return rules
| When it applies | Deadline | Starts from |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit return | 20 days | after the later of termination of the tenancy, delivery of possession, or tenant providing a forwarding address for receiving the security deposit |
Rhode Island return rule: 20 calendar days. Check the dates you entered above.
Court listed for this county: Rhode Island District Court - Sixth Division. Check venue on the official court page or with the clerk.
Free dated DOCX by email. Print-ready state PDF kit: $29. Letter preparation and mailing: $49.
Who do you name in the claim?
Find and compare the legal names
Find and compare the legal names in these records:
- The lease: the Landlord or Owner line and who signed.
- The deposit receipt or the account your rent went to.
- The owner of record in the property records of Providence County.
- The Rhode Island business registry for an LLC or management company: its exact legal name and registered agent. Rhode Island Department of State
A registered agent receives court papers for a company; it is not the defendant.
This page shows where the names are recorded; it does not decide who is legally liable.
What to bring to the clerk
- Your lease.
- Deposit receipt or payment record.
- The demand letter and proof of delivery.
- Move-out photos and an inventory or condition report.
Is it worth filing here?
Illustration: a deposit equal to one month's ACS median gross rent (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) for a home in Providence County. This is calculated from rent, not measured deposits. The statutory amount requires the rule's conditions.
| Bedrooms | Deposit owed | Statutory amount | Total illustration | Limit check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $925 | $1,850 | $2,775 | Fits under the $5,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 2 | $1,305 | $2,610 | $3,915 | Fits under the $5,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 3 | $1,511 | $3,022 | $4,533 | Fits under the $5,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 4 | $1,584 | $3,168 | $4,752 | Fits under the $5,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates, tables B25064, B25031, B25003, B25070; accessed 2026-09-21. Penalty rule.
How does Providence County compare with other Rhode Island counties?
The two-bedroom median gross rent is $1,305: rank 8 of 9 counties with this metric in U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. 43.4% of households rent in Providence County.
| County | Median gross rent |
|---|---|
| Kent | $1,441 |
| Kent County | $1,441 |
| Washington | $1,432 |
| Washington County | $1,432 |
| Providence | $1,305 |
| Providence County | $1,305 |
Ranking uses the same ACS metric and period within this state; ties share a rank. Coverage is 9 of 9 listed counties. Census source.
Places in Providence County
- Central Falls
- Cranston
- East Providence
- Pawtucket
- Providence
- Woonsocket
These are Census places in the county. Check the rental's address with the clerk to find the court.
U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census place-to-county relationship file
Free legal help
- Rhode Island Legal Services: Free civil legal help for eligible low-income Rhode Island residents, including eviction defense through the Housing Stability Project; Newport office: (401) 846-2264.
FAQ
How much does it cost to file in Providence County?
The court sets the fee. Check the current schedule. Court page
Where do I file a deposit claim in Providence County?
Rhode Island District Court - Sixth Division is listed. Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk. Court page
Who should I name in the claim?
Compare the legal names on the lease, deposit receipt, property records and business registry. A registered agent receives papers for a company; it is not the defendant.
What should I bring to the clerk?
Bring your lease, deposit receipt, demand letter, proof of delivery, photos and any move-out inventory.