💵 Rental Application Fees
As of January 1, 2024, Rhode Island law prohibits landlords, brokers, property managers, or designees from charging any rental application fee—including background checks, credit reports, screenings, or administrative fees. [1]
✅ Exceptions — Pass‑through Costs Only
Landlords may only charge applicants for the actual cost of an official state criminal background check or credit report if the applicant does *not* provide their own reports dated within 90 days. If the landlord charges for these costs, they must provide a copy of the report to the applicant. [1][2]
📜 Tenant Copy Requirement
If an applicant is charged for a background or credit report, the landlord is required to furnish the applicant with a copy of that report. [1]
💰 Security Deposit Limit
Under Rhode Island law, landlords may charge a security deposit **up to one (1) month’s rent** only. [3]
🚫 Unauthorized Fees & Scams
Despite the law, some landlords attempt to charge “application” or viewing fees. Tenants report:
“Application fees are pretty common, but that’s for once you’ve seen the place…and it’s now illegal for landlords to charge application fees.”
And:
“Landlords are now charging $35 background checks…Should not be passed on to tenants.”
Any unexpected fees charged during the application process, may violate state law — Rhode Island’s Attorney General has taken enforcement actions against non-compliant landlords.
Sample Rhode Island Rental Application Form
🔍 Legal References
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 34‑18‑59 (prohibiting application fees; allowing pass‑through costs with tenant-supplied 90‑day reports)
- Partridge Snow & Hahn summary (explaining effective date and exceptions)
- Tenant handbook interpretation (security deposit = 1 month’s rent)
