On January 30, 2025, a new law took effect that states "...no person, firm, or corporation shall enter into, engage in, solicit, advertise, bid for, or work at the business of installing, maintaining, servicing, and testing wires, conduits, apparatus, fixtures, electrical signs, lightning-protection equipment as defined in § 5-6-1, and other appliances for carrying or using or generating electricity..."  This means home buyers need to hire a licensed electrician to have these services performed. The Department of Labor and Training and  Department of Business Regulation have both issued guidance to explain this further. The law passed last year despite strong opposition from the Rhode Island Association of REALTORS®.

You can search for an electrician on the DLT's website.  Any category of licensed electrician can legally perform an electrical inspection.

Also, check with a trusted home inspector for a referral to a licensed electrician.  Keep in mind that electricians, unlike home inspectors, are not required to comply with conflict of interest laws.  

Several REALTORS® have asked whether a buyer should waive an electrical inspection on a purchase and sales agreement. If a buyer is waiving a home inspection, a buyer is not required to specifically list and waive particular types of inspections, such as electrical or radon.  However, if you wish to add language, the Inspections Contingency section of the RIAR Purchase and Sales Agreement has an Additional Provisions subsection.

For more information about licensing requirements for electricians, please contact the Department of Labor and Training Professional Regulation at [email protected] or (401) 462-8580.

REALTORS® - not your clients - may also contact the RIAR Legal Hot Line at [email protected] or 401-432-6945.