Updated July 12, 2022
A Rhode Island lease agreement is a document used by a landlord seeking a tenant to occupy and pay rent for residential or commercial space. The process starts with a tenant viewing the space prior to negotiating the terms of the lease. Once a verbal arrangement has been made, the tenant’s credit, income, and employment should be verified. After verification and approval by the landlord, a lease is usually signed.
Table of Contents |
Agreement Types (6)
Commercial Lease Agreement
– For tenants that will be utilizing the property for professional or business use. Not for living.
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Month-to-Month Lease Agreement
(
§ 34-18-37
)
– Known as a tenancy at will, for lessees that desire to not have an end date and instead elect to have it end at anytime with at least thirty (30) days’ notice.
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Rent-to-Own Lease Agreement
– For tenants that would like the option to purchase the premises included in their rental contract.
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Room Rental (Roommate) Agreement
– For a home with more than one (1) occupant. Usually, every roommate gets their own bedroom.
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Standard Residential Lease Agreement
– Fixed term contract most commonly one (1) year.
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Sublease Agreement
– For a tenant that desires to allow another individual to occupy the space they have under agreement with the landlord. Usually, the landlord must have to consent to the sublet.
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Required Disclosures (3)
Code Violations ( § 34-18-22.1 ) – If the landlord is violating any housing/building codes the violations must be reported to the tenant.
Landlord/Manager Disclosure ( § 34-18-20 ) – The owner or the person authorized to manage the property must be disclosed to the tenant in writing including their name and address.
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure – Form to be given to all tenants that will be occupying a residence that was built prior to 1978.
Access
The landlord must give at least two (2) days’ notice before entering the tenant’s property for standard issues such as maintenance or inspection ( § 34-18-26 ). The landlord may only enter the property during reasonable times.
Security Deposits
Maximum ( § 34-18-19 ) – Landlord may only ask the equivalent of one (1) month’s rent from the tenant.
Returning ( § 34-18-19 ) – Within twenty (20) days from the end of the lease date the landlord must return all funds associated with the deposit, minus any unpaid accrued rent or repairs, to the tenant.
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