Rhode Island (RI) lease form
Quick answer
Rhode Island requires a written lease for any tenancy longer than one year. The lease must identify the landlord, disclose any outstanding health and safety code violations, list all fees the tenant is responsible for, and include lead-paint disclosure for pre-1978 units. Security deposits are capped at one month's rent under R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19.
Revun generates a Rhode Island-ready lease with the required disclosures and clauses built in, then handles e-signature, rent, and renewals on the same platform.
Landlords of pre-1978 units must disclose known lead hazards and provide the EPA "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home" pamphlet before lease signing.
The name and contact information of the property owner or authorized manager must be provided to the tenant at or before the start of tenancy (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-20(a)).
Landlords must notify tenants of any outstanding housing code violations affecting health and safety within 30 days of receiving a violation notice (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-22.1).
Landlords who do not reside in Rhode Island must designate a local agent to receive legal notices and housing code violation notices (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-22.3).
General information, not legal advice. Governing statute: Rhode Island Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, R.I. Gen. Laws Title 34, Chapter 18. Confirm current requirements or consult an attorney before finalizing a lease.
Rhode Island lease FAQ
Yes for tenancies longer than one year. Shorter tenancies can be oral, but a written lease is strongly recommended to document disclosures, fees, and repair responsibilities.
No more than one month's rent. The deposit must be returned within 20 days of the end of the tenancy, along with an itemized statement of any deductions.
If the landlord receives a notice of outstanding health and safety code violations, they must disclose those violations to the tenant within 30 days of receiving the notice under R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-22.1.
Only if the landlord also offers at least one rent payment method that carries no convenience fee. Charging convenience fees without a free alternative has been prohibited since January 1, 2025.
