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I moved out of an apartment and returned the keys the same day. It’s been almost a month and the landlord has not returned my security deposit. How long can she hold my deposit ?

The following is an actual conversation between an Uprise RI user and our Helping Hand chat assistant. The most helpful conversations, as determined by our editors, will be showcased on our homepage, with personally identifying details removed when applicable.

Posted May 7, 2024

User: Hi I moved out of an apartment November 30th and the returned the keys the same day, It’s been almost a month and the landlord has not returned my security deposit . how long can she hold my deposit ?

The Helping Hand: In Rhode Island, landlords have 20 days after the termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession (which includes return of the keys) to return the security deposit. If it has been almost a month since you moved out and returned the keys, your landlord is past this deadline. You may consider writing a formal request for the return of your security deposit. If the landlord still does not return the deposit, you may have the right to take legal action to recover the withheld amount, potentially double as damages, and legal costs up to $2,500. It’s important to keep any documentation of your tenancy and the return of the keys as evidence.

Would you like guidance on how to write a formal request, or do you need information on the next steps if the landlord does not comply after the request?

User: [Exited]

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