RI Launches Public Rental Registry On Lead Compliance In Homes

RHODE ISLAND — The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has launched a rental property registry, a public database intended to protect children and families from the hazards of lead exposure.

With this dashboard, a resident can look up their rental property to see if the property’s landlord has secured a certificate of lead conformance, or other lead certificate. These have been required by Rhode Island law for pre-1978 homes since 2005. They are issued by a licensed lead inspector and document that a property is in a lead-safe condition. The registry will also make the contact information of the property owner or manager available.

"This new public database promotes transparency, safety, and accountability for people who rent their homes in Rhode Island," Director of Health Jerry Larkin said. "All children and families deserve to live in housing that is healthy and safe. By ensuring compliance with the requirement for landlords to provide lead-safe housing — which has been on the books for two decades — we are one step closer to that goal."

A requirement for landlords to register their rental properties by Oct. 1, 2024 was laid out in the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, which became law in Rhode Island in 2023. Through increased trainings and licensing professionals who were already license-holders in other states, RIDOH has also increased the number of licensed lead inspectors who are available to inspect properties for lead, state officials said.

RIDOH officials said most homes in Rhode Island were built before 1978 and likely have lead-based paint. Lead paint and paint dust can harm young children's health. Children younger than 6 are at greatest risk.

Lead exposure can slow a child's development and cause learning disabilities and behavior problems. The most effective way to prevent lead exposure is to properly maintain lead-painted surfaces or remove lead-based paints, health officials said.

RIDOH officials said they anticipate beginning to fine noncompliant landlords this summer. The fine for failure to register is $50 per month, per unit. The fine for failure to obtain a valid lead certificate, where applicable, is $125 per month, per unit. A landlord who continues to fail to register or obtain a lead certificate is subject to additional, more significant penalties.

Additionally, landlords cannot file for eviction for nonpayment of rent unless the property involved is registered in the Rhode Island Rental Registry. If tenants do not find their residence while searching the database, they can write to rentalregistry@health.ri.gov.

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