Does Rhode Island Allow Transfer on Death Deeds?
Rhode Island does not authorize transfer on death deeds. 3 alternatives are available to transfer real property at death without probate.
Why TOD deeds aren't available in Rhode Island
Rhode Island has not adopted the Uniform Real Property Transfer on Death Act or any TOD deed statute. No authority exists in R.I. Gen. Laws Title 34 (Property) or Title 33 (Probate Practice and Procedure).
Rhode Island S 2027 (2024) was passed by the Senate on 03/21/2024 and referred to House Judiciary on 03/22/2024, where it died with no further action. S 0141 (2025, Sen. Euer) was introduced 01/31/2025 and referred to Senate Judiciary, with no further recorded action. In the 2026 session, two URPTODA companion bills were introduced: H 7284 (introduced 01/23/2026; House Judiciary recommended it be held for further study on 03/26/2026) and S 2050 (introduced 01/09/2026; Senate Judiciary recommended passage 06/02/2026 and the Senate passed it as amended on 06/09/2026, its last recorded action). No TOD deed statute has been enacted.
Alternatives for Rhode Island
These mechanisms transfer real property at death without probate in Rhode Island:
- •
- •Joint tenancy with right of survivorship
- •Tenancy by the entirety (married couples)
Consult a licensed attorney for help choosing the right mechanism for your situation.
Legislation pending
Rhode Island legislators have introduced bills to authorize transfer on death deeds. The law has not been enacted as of the verification date (2026-07-13).
Frequently asked questions
Rhode Island has not adopted the Uniform Real Property Transfer on Death Act or any TOD deed statute. No authority exists in R.I. Gen. Laws Title 34 (Property) or Title 33 (Probate Practice and Procedure).
Rhode Island recognizes 3 alternatives for transferring real property outside of probate: Revocable living trust; Joint tenancy with right of survivorship; Tenancy by the entirety (married couples).
No. Real property transfers are governed by the state where the property is located. A TOD deed signed under another state's law has no effect on real property in Rhode Island.
Yes. Legislation authorizing transfer on death deeds has been proposed in Rhode Island, but is not currently enacted. Rhode Island S 2027 (2024) was passed by the Senate on 03/21/2024 and referred to House Judiciary on 03/22/2024, where it died with no further action. S 0141 (2025, Sen. Euer) was introduced 01/31/2025 and referred to Senate Judiciary, with no further recorded action. In the 2026 session, two URPTODA companion bills were introduced: H 7284 (introduced 01/23/2026; House Judiciary recommended it be held for further study on 03/26/2026) and S 2050 (introduced 01/09/2026; Senate Judiciary recommended passage 06/02/2026 and the Senate passed it as amended on 06/09/2026, its last recorded action). No TOD deed statute has been enacted.