4 Providence Landlords Facing Lawsuit For Lead Violations

PROVIDENCE, RI — Attorney General Peter Neronha said his office filed four lawsuits against Providence landlords for failing to address several instances of lead poisoning in their units. Neronha in a statement Tuesday said all the lawsuits involved hazards being found in a lead-poisoned child's home.

According to the complaint, landlords Davian Sanchez, Francis Rolden, Palma Property Manager Corp. owners Persio Quiñonez and Consuelo Nunez and Investment Inc. owner Carlos Tellez have failed to remediate lead violations identified by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), even though lead-poisoned children still live at their properties.

Under state law, RIDOH property inspectors give landlords numerous opportunities to correct lead hazard violations before the Attorney General's Office gets involved.

"Hundreds of children in Rhode Island are lead poisoned every year, endangering their short and long-term health and development," Neronha said in a statement. "This problem persists because of the failure of landlords to do what they are required by law to do: Remediate lead hazards in the apartments they rent. Prioritizing profits over the health of children requires a strong response, and that is why we continue to take action against any and all landlords who endanger children in this way."

According to the complaint, violations occurred at the following properties:

Wesleyan Avenue

Sanchez owns a six-unit apartment building on Wesleyan Avenue in Providence. Following the lead poisoning of a child living in one of the apartment units, a RIDOH inspection revealed lead hazards in multiple locations inside and outside the building, state officials said. Authorities said Sanchez failed to remediate the hazards following two 30-day notices of violation issued by RIDOH.

Linwood Avenue

Rolden owns a two-unit multi-family home on Linwood Avenue in Providence. According to the complaint, the building was inspected after a child suffered lead poisoning. A RIDOH inspection revealed lead hazards in and outside the home, and Rolden has failed to correct the issues, despite getting two chances, the complaint said.

Sumter Street

Quiñonez, and Nunez, own a six-unit commercial apartment building in Providence. Following the lead poisoning of a child living in one of the apartment units, a RIDOH inspection revealed lead hazards in both inside and outside the building, according to the complaint. The defendants failed to remediate the hazards, despite two chances, the complaint said.

Plainfield Street

Tellez owns a five-unit multi-family home in Providence. Following the lead poisoning of a child, a RIDOH inspection revealed lead hazards in several places inside the child's home. According to the complaint, Tellez failed to remediate the hazards following two 30-day notices of violation issued by RIDOH.

The suit comes a month after Neronha took action against four other Rhode Island landlords for lead violations.

More on Lead Violations In Providence

• RI Attorney General Takes More Action Against Lead Violations
• Rhode Island Landlords Face Consequences For Lead Violations