A Rhode Island sublease agreement outlines the terms that let a tenant bring a new occupant into the unit under the existing lease. This document supports a smooth handoff between tenants, keeps the subtenant liable under the original lease terms, and confirms that the arrangement complies with the state’s rental laws.
Does a tenant need a landlord’s permission to sublease in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island law does not set a specific rule for subleasing, so the lease terms control whether a tenant may bring in a subtenant. Most landlords require written consent, and tenants must follow the conditions of the original lease when requesting approval.
Landlords protect themselves when they include clear subleasing terms in their Rhode Island lease agreement. To cover subleasing in future contracts, property owners can use a legally reviewed lease agreement builder to create a complete document.
Information to Include in a Rhode Island Sublease
Landlords should treat a sublease the same way they treat a standard lease and outline the terms that guide the rental arrangement. The key details landlords should include in a Rhode Island sublease appear below:
Names of landlord and sublessor: List the full legal names of both parties so everyone understands who holds responsibility for the sublease terms.
Rental unit address: Provide the complete address of the rental unit so all parties clearly identify the exact space covered by the sublease.
Length of the sublease agreement: Specify the start and end dates to show how long the subtenant will occupy the unit.
Rent amount: State the monthly rent the subtenant must pay, and explain how and when the payment must be made to the landlord or sublessor.
Division of utilities: Describe which utilities the subtenant must cover (and consider pairing this section with a landlord-tenant utility agreement).
Security deposit information: Outline the deposit amount, the conditions for its return, and any rules that comply with Rhode Island security deposit laws.
Maintenance protocols: Outline how the subtenant should request repairs, note any expectations for routine care, and consider linking to helpful guidance on rental property maintenance.
Property policies: Include the rules the subtenant must follow, such as noise limits, pet requirements, or expectations for shared spaces.
Early termination terms: Describe the conditions that allow either party to end the sublease early and specify any required notice period.
Landlord’s right to entry: Explain when the landlord may enter the rental property and clarify any advance notice requirements.
Renter’s insurance: State whether the subtenant must carry an active policy that protects their belongings and offers liability coverage.
Landlord’s consent to sublease: Confirm the landlord’s approval of the sublease and outline any conditions tied to that approval.
Subtenant obligation to comply with master lease: Clarify that the subtenant must follow every rule in the original lease to keep the rental arrangement in good standing.
Move-in condition checklist: Provide a detailed checklist or attach a move-in condition report so both parties track the unit’s condition from the start of the sublease.
Emergency contact information: List dependable contacts the subtenant can reach during urgent situations, including maintenance and property management numbers.
Guest policy: Explain any limits on guest stays and note when longer visits require approval from the landlord or sublessor.
Copy of master lease: Give the subtenant a full copy of the original lease so they understand the rules they must follow.
Signatures: Include the signatures of the landlord, sublessor, and subtenant, and allow each party to e-sign the agreement if preferred.
Additional attachments: Add any extra documents the landlord wants to include, such as addenda, disclosures, or property-specific rules.
Taxes Implications for Short-Term Subleases
Short-term subleases in Rhode Island may trigger lodging taxes when the subtenant rents the unit for 30 days or less without a standard lease agreement. As of January 1, 2026, these taxes include the 7 percent sales tax, a 5 percent whole home state short-term rental tax for entire units, and a 2 percent local hotel tax.
Rhode Island landlords should review short-term lodging tax rules in their city or town, since local requirements may differ and affect the total cost for guests.
For example, if you rent a room in Rhode Island, taxes may include:
- Rhode Island State Sales Tax – 7%
- Rhode Island State Hotel Tax – 6%
However, if you rent an entire house, taxes include:
- Rhode Island State Sales Tax – 7%
- Rhode Island State Hotel Tax – 1%
