Tenant Rights in Warwick, Rhode Island

Last updated: April 2026

Warwick is Rhode Island's second-largest city, and renters here are covered by the state's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. Here's what that means for your rights in Kent County.

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Key Takeaways

Rent Control: None — Rhode Island has no rent control law. Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
Security Deposit: Capped at 1 month's rent. Must be returned within 20 days of move-out with an itemized statement (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19). Wrongful withholding entitles you to double the withheld amount.
Notice to Vacate: At least 30 days' written notice required to terminate a month-to-month tenancy (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-37).
Just Cause Eviction: Not required in Rhode Island. Landlords may decline to renew without stating a reason.
Local Resources: Rhode Island Legal Services (rils.org), Warwick Housing Authority

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Warwick

Warwick is Rhode Island's second-largest city by population, located in Kent County along Narragansett Bay. It has a large and diverse rental market, including single-family rentals, apartment complexes, and units near T.F. Green Airport. Warwick has no local tenant protection laws — all renter rights derive from Rhode Island's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

The governing statute is R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18, which establishes a security deposit cap, a 20-day deposit return window, habitability obligations, retaliation protections, and the requirement that landlords use the courts — not self-help — to remove tenants.

2. Does Warwick Have Rent Control?

Warwick has no rent control, and Rhode Island has no statewide rent control or stabilization law. Landlords in Warwick can raise rent by any amount at the end of a lease term or with proper written notice on a month-to-month tenancy. There is no local ordinance in Warwick that limits rent increases.

3. Rhode Island State Tenant Protections That Apply in Warwick

Warwick renters are protected by Rhode Island's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18):

Security Deposit: Capped at 1 month's rent (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19). Must be returned within 20 days of move-out with a written itemized statement. Wrongful withholding entitles you to double the amount withheld.
Notice to Terminate: Month-to-month tenants must receive at least 30 days' written notice before the landlord can terminate the tenancy (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-37).
Habitability: Landlords must maintain the premises in a habitable condition including heat, water, and structural integrity (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-22). Serious unaddressed defects may entitle tenants to withhold rent or repair-and-deduct.
Anti-Retaliation: Landlords cannot raise rent, reduce services, or initiate eviction for reporting code violations or asserting legal rights (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-46).
No Self-Help Eviction: A court judgment is required before a landlord can remove a tenant. Lockouts and utility shutoffs are prohibited (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-36).

4. Security Deposit Rules in Warwick

Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19, Warwick landlords are limited to one month's rent as a security deposit. After you move out, your landlord has only 20 days to return the full deposit along with a written itemized statement of any deductions. If they fail to do so — or improperly withhold any portion — you are entitled to double the withheld amount. Document the unit's condition at move-in and move-out with photos and written notes to protect your rights.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Warwick

Warwick landlords must follow Rhode Island's court-supervised eviction process under R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18. A written notice must come first — typically a 5-day pay-or-quit notice for nonpayment of rent, or a 30-day termination notice for month-to-month tenancies. If the matter is unresolved, the landlord files in Kent County District Court and must obtain a judgment before you can be physically removed. Self-help eviction is illegal — no lockouts, utility interruptions, or property removal without a court order (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-36). Just cause is not required to decline lease renewal in Rhode Island.

6. Resources for Warwick Tenants

Rhode Island Legal Services — Free civil legal aid for low-income Rhode Islanders including eviction defense and housing matters.
Warwick Housing Authority — Housing assistance and programs for Warwick residents.
Rhode Island Housing — State rental assistance and tenant resources.
RI AG Consumer Protection — State resources for housing complaints.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Warwick have rent control?

No. Warwick has no rent control ordinance, and Rhode Island has no statewide rent control law. Landlords can raise rent by any amount at lease expiration or with proper notice on a month-to-month tenancy.

How much can my landlord raise my rent in Warwick?

There is no legal cap on rent increases in Warwick or Rhode Island. Your landlord can raise rent by any amount with proper written notice before the increase takes effect.

How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Warwick?

20 days from move-out, with a written itemized statement of any deductions (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19). If the landlord wrongfully withholds any portion, you are entitled to double the withheld amount.

What notice does my landlord need before evicting me in Warwick?

For nonpayment, a 5-day pay-or-quit notice. To end a month-to-month tenancy, at least 30 days' written notice (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-37). After notice, the landlord must go to court — in Kent County District Court — and obtain a judgment before you can be removed.

Can my landlord lock me out or shut off utilities in Warwick?

No. Self-help eviction is prohibited under R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-36. Your landlord cannot change locks, remove your belongings, or cut utilities without a court order. If this occurs, contact Rhode Island Legal Services.

What can I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs in Warwick?

Send a written repair request and keep a copy. Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-22, landlords must maintain habitable conditions. If they don't act, Rhode Island law may allow you to withhold rent or repair-and-deduct for serious violations. Contact Rhode Island Legal Services for advice on your specific situation.

This article provides general information about tenant rights in Warwick and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with a local attorney or tenant organization.

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