Rhode Island Off-Base Military Housing: Renting Rights Guide

Special Housing Types & Situations Rhode Island published June 21, 2025 Flag of Rhode Island

If you're an active service member or a military family renting off-base housing in Rhode Island, it's important to understand your rights and responsibilities as a renter. Off-base military renters share many of the same legal protections and obligations as civilians, but also benefit from unique safeguards under state and federal law.

Understanding Off-Base Military Housing in Rhode Island

Off-base military housing refers to any private rental property (apartments, houses, mobile homes, etc.) located outside a military installation. In Rhode Island, these rentals are regulated by state landlord-tenant laws and sometimes by federal laws like the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).

Main Protections for Military Renters

  • Right to terminate the lease early if receiving deployment or PCS (Permanent Change of Station) orders
  • Protection from eviction without a legal process
  • Return of security deposit under set timelines and rules
  • Proper notice for rent increases or changes to tenancy

Both the Rhode Island Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act protect renters in these situations.[1][2]

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Key Rights and Obligations

Here's a look at essential areas that affect off-base military renters in Rhode Island.

1. Lease Termination for Military Orders

If you receive new deployment or PCS orders, federal law (SCRA) and Rhode Island law allow you to terminate your rental agreement early, with proper written notice and proof of your orders.

Always provide a written notice and a copy of your military orders to your landlord when requesting early lease termination.

2. Eviction Procedures

  • Landlords must follow formal eviction processes, typically filing with the Rhode Island District Court, Division of Housing.
  • Military renters may require court approval before eviction under SCRA.
  • You have the right to receive written notice, respond in court, and request a delay if needed due to deployment.

3. Security Deposit Rules

  • Landlords may charge a security deposit up to one month's rent.
  • Deposits must be returned within 20 days after the end of the rental—minus any lawful deductions.
  • Disputes about returns can be addressed via the District Court.

For details, see security deposit law in Rhode Island.[1]

4. Rent Increases & Notice

  • Landlords must give at least 30 days' written notice for rent increases on month-to-month tenancies.
  • Longer fixed-term leases can only increase rent as specified in the contract.

Rhode Island law protects renters from sudden or arbitrary changes to rent and lease terms.

5. Maintenance and Repairs

  • Landlords must maintain rental properties in a safe and habitable condition.
  • Tenants can request repairs in writing and may use the District Court if issues are unresolved.
Tip: Always document repair requests and keep copies of correspondence with your landlord.

Key Forms for Military Renters in Rhode Island

  • Notice to Terminate Rental Agreement (Military Servicemember): While there isn’t a specific state form, use written notice with a copy of your official orders. Sample template and guidance are available in the SCRA Sample Lease Termination Letter.
    • When to use: When you receive PCS or deployment orders that require you to relocate.
    • Example: You receive orders for reassignment and need to break your lease early. Submit this letter to your landlord with your orders as proof.
  • Complaint for Eviction (District Court Form DC-53):
    • Use: Used by landlords to begin eviction. As a tenant, you may respond using instructions from the official DC-53 Complaint for Eviction form.
    • Example: If you are served with this complaint, review the instructions and plan your response. Appear at your hearing or request assistance if you are actively deployed.

What Tribunal Hears Rhode Island Tenant Cases?

Residential tenancy disputes (including evictions) in Rhode Island are handled by the District Court, Division of Housing.[3]

Relevant Rhode Island Legislation for Renters

These laws set the standards for leases, security deposits, notice periods, and protections for military renters.

FAQs: Rhode Island Military Renter Rights

Below are common questions from military renters who lease off-base housing in Rhode Island.

  1. Can I break my lease early if I get deployment or relocation orders?
    Yes. Under the SCRA and state law, you may terminate your lease with written notice and a copy of your official orders.
  2. What notice does my landlord need to provide before raising my rent?
    For month-to-month rentals, at least 30 days' written notice is required under Rhode Island law.
  3. How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit?
    Landlords must return deposits within 20 days of lease termination, after proper deductions.
  4. Where can I get help if I’m facing eviction while deployed?
    Contact the District Court, a military legal assistance attorney, or Rhode Island housing agencies for guidance. You may qualify for extra eviction protections under SCRA.
  5. What agency handles rental disputes and evictions in Rhode Island?
    The Rhode Island District Court, Division of Housing handles these cases.

Key Takeaways for Military Renters

  • Military renters have special protections for early lease termination and eviction proceedings with deployment orders.
  • Follow all official notice requirements and keep copies of communications.
  • Rhode Island law ensures landlords must return security deposits promptly and maintain habitable properties.

Being armed with legal information and official forms helps protect your rights as an off-base military renter in Rhode Island.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

  1. Rhode Island Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
  2. Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)
  3. District Court, Division of Housing — Rhode Island Judiciary

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Renter Rights USA

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.

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