Lease Template Updated January 10, 2025
A residential lease agreement in Rhode Island is a vital legal document that clearly defines rental terms, payment details, property rules, and the responsibilities of both landlords and tenants. It protects the landlord's interests while ensuring compliance with Rhode Island laws.
Our form includes:
Parties Identification
Lease Term
Rent Payment Terms
Security Deposit
Maintenance Responsibilities
State-Specific Disclosures
State-Specific Notices
These disclosures and addenda ensure compliance with state laws and protect both landlords and tenants.
Disclosure |
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Landlord's Name and Address
<p>Landlords must disclose in writing, at or before the commencement of the tenancy, the name and address of The person authorized to manage the premises and The owner or a person authorized to act on behalf of the owner for receiving legal notices and demands.</p>
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Landlord's Name and Address
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Landlords must disclose in writing, at or before the commencement of the tenancy, the name and address of The person authorized to manage the premises and The owner or a person authorized to act on behalf of the owner for receiving legal notices and demands. |
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Lead Paint - Know Presence
<p>Applies to units built before 1978 where the presence of lead paint has been confirmed.</p>
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Lead Paint - Know Presence
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Applies to units built before 1978 where the presence of lead paint has been confirmed. |
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Lead Paint - No Know Presence
<p>Applies to units where no evidence of lead paint is present or units built after 1978.</p>
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Lead Paint - No Know Presence
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Applies to units where no evidence of lead paint is present or units built after 1978. |
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Condition of the Premises
<p>Landlords are obligated to maintain rental units in a habitable condition, adhering to health and safety standards. This includes ensuring that essential services such as heating, plumbing, and electricity are in good working order. Tenants should be provided with a property that is safe and sanitary at the start of the tenancy</p>
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Condition of the Premises
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Landlords are obligated to maintain rental units in a habitable condition, adhering to health and safety standards. This includes ensuring that essential services such as heating, plumbing, and electricity are in good working order. Tenants should be provided with a property that is safe and sanitary at the start of the tenancy |
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Late/Returned Fees
<p>Rhode Island law does not specify limits on late fees for overdue rent payments. However, any charges for late or returned payments should be reasonable and clearly outlined in the rental agreement to ensure transparency and mutual understanding.</p>
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Late/Returned Fees
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Rhode Island law does not specify limits on late fees for overdue rent payments. However, any charges for late or returned payments should be reasonable and clearly outlined in the rental agreement to ensure transparency and mutual understanding. |
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Mold Disclosure
<p>Rhode Island law does not require landlords to disclose the presence of mold. Nonetheless, maintaining the property to prevent mold growth falls under the landlord's duty to provide habitable premises.</p>
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Mold Disclosure
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Rhode Island law does not require landlords to disclose the presence of mold. Nonetheless, maintaining the property to prevent mold growth falls under the landlord's duty to provide habitable premises. |
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Non-Refundable Fees
<p>While Rhode Island law permits landlords to charge non-refundable fees, such as pet fees or application fees, it is essential that these fees are explicitly stated as non-refundable in the rental agreement.</p>
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Non-Refundable Fees
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While Rhode Island law permits landlords to charge non-refundable fees, such as pet fees or application fees, it is essential that these fees are explicitly stated as non-refundable in the rental agreement. |
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Smoking
<p>Landlords should clearly state the property's smoking policy within the rental agreement. This includes specifying whether smoking is permitted indoors, outdoors, or prohibited entirely, and outlining any associated rules or restrictions.</p>
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Smoking
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Landlords should clearly state the property's smoking policy within the rental agreement. This includes specifying whether smoking is permitted indoors, outdoors, or prohibited entirely, and outlining any associated rules or restrictions. |
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Security Deposit Disclosure
<p>Landlords in Rhode Island are prohibited from demanding or receiving a security deposit exceeding the equivalent of one month's rent. <br>Upon termination of the tenancy, landlords must return the full security deposit within 20 days, minus any deductions for unpaid rent, reasonable cleaning expenses, trash disposal, or damages beyond normal wear and tear. An itemized written notice detailing any deductions must be provided to the tenant</p>
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Security Deposit Disclosure
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Landlords in Rhode Island are prohibited from demanding or receiving a security deposit exceeding the equivalent of one month's rent. |
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Flood Hazard Disclosure
<p>Rhode Island law does not mandate landlords to disclose if a property is in a flood zone; however, it's considered good practice to inform tenants of potential flood risks.</p>
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Flood Hazard Disclosure
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Rhode Island law does not mandate landlords to disclose if a property is in a flood zone; however, it's considered good practice to inform tenants of potential flood risks. |
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Radon Disclosure
<p>Rhode Island does not require radon disclosures.<br>However, if a landlord is aware of elevated radon levels, it is prudent to inform tenants to ensure transparency and safety.</p>
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Radon Disclosure
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Rhode Island does not require radon disclosures. |
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Bed Bugs Disclosure
<p>While Rhode Island law does not explicitly require landlords to disclose bed bug infestations, they are obligated to maintain rental properties free from pests, including bed bugs.</p>
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Bed Bugs Disclosure
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While Rhode Island law does not explicitly require landlords to disclose bed bug infestations, they are obligated to maintain rental properties free from pests, including bed bugs. |
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Addenda |
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Pet Agreement
<p>Outline rules regarding pet types, sizes, behavior, and any associated fees or deposits.</p>
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Pet Agreement
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Outline rules regarding pet types, sizes, behavior, and any associated fees or deposits. |
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Medical Marijuana
<p>Rhode Island permits the use of medical marijuana. Landlords should clearly state their policies regarding its use and possession on the premises within the lease agreement, ensuring compliance with state laws while addressing property rules.</p>
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Medical Marijuana
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Rhode Island permits the use of medical marijuana. Landlords should clearly state their policies regarding its use and possession on the premises within the lease agreement, ensuring compliance with state laws while addressing property rules. |
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Shared Utilities
<p>Describe how utility charges are divided among tenants to ensure clarity on financial responsibilities.</p>
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Shared Utilities
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Describe how utility charges are divided among tenants to ensure clarity on financial responsibilities. |
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Carbon Monoxide Alarm
<p>Rhode Island law does not require the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in rental properties.</p>
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Carbon Monoxide Alarm
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Rhode Island law does not require the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in rental properties. |
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Rhode Island law requires landlords to disclose their name and contact information in rental agreements. According to Rhode Island General Laws, Title 34, Chapter 18 (Residential Landlord and Tenant Act),** this ensures tenants can effectively communicate with property owners and managers.
Landlord Requirements:
In addition to Title X, Rhode Island has additional **state-specific lead hazard disclosure laws**, including the Lead Poisoning Prevention Act, which requires landlords to take proactive measures to mitigate lead exposure in rental units.
Landlord Requirements:
The lease must document the property’s condition to protect both parties, under Rhode Island General Laws § 34-18-22. This ensures clarity on pre-existing issues and responsibilities during and after the lease.
Landlord Requirements:
Explore lease agreement forms from other states to ensure compliance and simplify rentals.