Most residential landlords require tenants to pay a security deposit to cover any repairs needed when the tenant moves out, or to cover the tenant’s failure to pay the last month's rent.

Laws vary from state to state, but many states have statutes that provide the maximum amount of security deposit a landlord may require for a residential lease and the costs for which the landlord may use the security deposit (cleaning, repairs, unpaid rent) following termination of the lease.

These laws also provide a specific deadline (often 30-60 days) for the landlord to return the tenant’s security deposit following termination of the lease—after deducting any amount properly withheld, as allowed by law.

In Rhode Island, the regulation of security deposits for residential leases is governed by state law. Landlords can require tenants to pay a security deposit, which is typically used to cover repairs for damage beyond normal wear and tear, cleaning, or unpaid rent after the tenant moves out. Rhode Island law limits the maximum amount of a security deposit to the equivalent of one month's rent. After the termination of the lease, the landlord has 20 days to return the security deposit to the tenant. If the landlord withholds any portion of the deposit for damages, cleaning, or unpaid rent, they must provide the tenant with an itemized list of deductions. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in penalties for the landlord, including the possibility of the tenant recovering damages in court.