Members of the public, including tenants, buyers, and REALTORS®, can now search the Rhode Island Department of Health Rental Registry RI Rental Registry | Department of Health to see whether a property or unit has been registered. You can search by address or by clicking on a map that shows registered rentals and “suspected” rentals across the state.
It’s a good idea to check any rental properties that you own or manage to make sure that the information is correct. Some REALTORS® and landlords have found that properties that they have registered with certificates as listed in the database as having no certificates.
The Department of Health (DOH) will begin to fine landlords on July 1, 2025 following a public outreach campaign. Keep in mind that other penalties have already gone into effect. For example, a landlord cannot evict a tenant for nonpayment of rent unless the rental has been registered with DOH. Lead certificates are required for pre-1978 properties unless they qualify for an exemption.
Register the property: RI Rental Registry | Department of Health
Read the law: webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE34/34-18/34-18-58.htm
Fact sheets: