43-32-24.
Return of security deposit after termination of
tenancy--Withholding--Itemized accounting--Forfeiture of withholding
rights--Punitive damages.
Every lessor of residential premises shall, within two weeks after the
termination of the tenancy and receipt of the tenant's mailing address
or delivery instructions, return the security deposit to the tenant, or
furnish to the tenant, a written statement showing the specific reason
for the withholding of the deposit or any portion thereof. The lessor
may withhold from such deposit only such amounts as are reasonably
necessary to remedy tenant defaults in the payment of rent or of other
funds due to the landlord pursuant to an agreement or to restore the
premises to their condition at the commencement of the tenancy, ordinary
wear and tear excepted. Within forty-five days after termination of the
tenancy, upon request of the lessee, the lessor shall provide the lessee
with an itemized accounting of any deposit withheld.
Any lessor of residential premises who fails to comply with this section
shall forfeit all rights to withhold any portion of such deposit.
The bad faith retention of a deposit or any portion of a deposit by a
lessor of residential premises in violation of this section, including
failure to provide the written statement and itemized accounting
required by this section, shall subject the lessor to punitive damages
not to exceed two hundred dollars