In 2023, the Rhode Island General Assembly approved a new law that would require owners of rental property to register with a new R.I. Department of Health registry that was intended to be created by September 1, 2024 subject to funding with a filing deadline of October 1, 2024. Governor McKee has filed legislation as part of his budget H7225.pdf (rilegislature.gov) (Article 3, Section 17) to postpone and change the filing requirements.

Existing Law:

• Registry must be created by September 1, 2024.         
• Landlords who own one or more rental dwelling units must register with the R.I Department of Health
• Landlords of pre-1978 rental dwelling unitsmust file lead certificates with the R.I. Department of Health or document that they are exempt from lead mitigation.

Governor’s Proposal:

• Registry must be created by September 1, 2025.
• Landlords who own one or more pre-1978 rental dwelling units must register with the RI Dept. of Health only if they do not have lead certificates.
• Landlords of pre-1978 rental dwelling units are not required to register if they have lead certificates.

The General Assembly normally does not vote on the budget until mid to late June, so it could take some time before we know for certain whether the rental registration law will be amended or postponed.  In the meantime, all lead laws remain in effect.  Click here for a R.I. Department of Health guide for rental property owners.

For more information about the lead laws, please contact the RI Association of REALTORS® Legal Department at 401-432-6945 or email [email protected].  For more information about the legislation, contact the RI Association of REALTORS® Advocacy Department at 401-432-6959 or email [email protected].