The Rhode Island Rental Registry is a statewide database established by the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (RIGL 34-18-58) requiring landlords to register their rental properties. The registry’s primary aim is to uphold lead-safe housing standards across the state by enforcing compliance with lead hazard mitigation laws, especially for properties built before 1978.
This tool helps the state monitor residential rental units and ensures that landlords are meeting important health and safety standards to protect tenants.
Who Needs to Register?
All property owners who rent out residential properties in Rhode Island must register their units. This includes:
Single-family homes
Multi-family units
Condominiums
Apartment complexes
Everyone is required to register their property in the state so that you are in the database but not everyone is necessarily required to get the lead safe certificate. There are certain exemptions for the lead safe certification which we will discuss further.
How to Register Your Property
Landlords must create an account on the official Rhode Island Rental Registry website. Once registered, they’ll enter property details, management information, and any required documentation, such as lead certificates, if applicable.
The platform provides an intuitive dashboard with step-by-step instructions, allowing you to manage property listings and update information at any time.
Required Information
To complete the registration, landlords must provide:
Owner or business entity names
Current business or home address
Email and phone number
Property management company details (if applicable)
Identification details for each unit
Date of current occupancy
Proof of a valid lead certificate (if applicable)
Failure to comply with these requirements can result in fines, making accurate registration critical.
Registration Fees
There is no fee to register rental properties with the Rhode Island Rental Registry. However, penalties for non-registration or lack of required lead certificates can add up quickly.
Consequences of Non-Registration
Failing to register by October 1, 2024, can result in:
Monthly fines ($50 per unit, per month for non-registration; $125 for lacking a lead certificate)
Restrictions on filing for eviction due to nonpayment of rent
Additional civil penalties imposed by the Rhode Island Department of Health or the Office of the Attorney General for ongoing non-compliance
Lead Safety Compliance
If your property was built before 1978, you must obtain a lead certificate. This certificate is only issued after passing an inspection by a licensed lead inspector. Depending on the property’s condition, you may qualify for either a Lead Safe Certificate or a Certificate of Lead Conformance.
Visit Lead1978.com to learn more about lead inspection requirements and how to obtain a lead certificate.
Lead Safe Certification Exemptions
You don’t need a certificate if:
Built after 1978
Has a Full Lead-Safe or current Conditional Lead-Safe Certificate
Temporary/seasonal housing rented no more than 100 days to the same tenant
Designated for residents age 62 or older
How to Obtain a Lead Certificate for Your Rhode Island Rental Property
This involves hiring a licensed Lead Inspector to perform a Lead Hazard Mitigation Inspection. If the inspection identifies issues, they must be addressed within 30 days. Once the property passes, the landlord receives a Certificate of Lead Conformance, valid for two years.
If the tenant has not changed during this period, landlords can self-inspect and apply for an Affidavit of Completion of Visual Inspection.
To do so, they must:
Confirm the tenant has stayed for two years.
Attend a three-hour Lead Hazard Awareness Seminar.
Conduct a visual inspection to ensure the property remains lead-safe.
Submit a notarized application with supporting documents.
Documents required for the affidavit include:
The notarized application,
Evidence of completing the lead awareness seminar,
The previous Certificate of Lead Conformance, and
Any prior Affidavits of Completion of Visual Inspection.
The affidavit is also valid for two years unless a tenant change occurs, in which case a new inspection and certificate are required. Landlords must retain all certificates and affidavits for at least five years. Failure to comply can lead to fines and penalties.
How to Apply for a Certificate of Presumptive Compliance for Owners of 10 or more units in Rhode Island
Property owners with ten or more rental units may apply for a Certificate of Presumptive Compliance, which covers all units. To be eligible, you must hire a licensed lead inspector to conduct a Lead Hazard Mitigation Inspection in at least 5% of the units (minimum of two). If 90% or more pass the inspection, you'll receive a Certificate of Lead Conformance for each passing unit.
To complete the application, submit all Certificates of Lead Conformance and proof of corrections for any prior violations. The Certificate of Presumptive Compliance is valid for two years.
Special Considerations for Short-Term Rentals
Short-term rental properties, such as Airbnb listings, are required to register. However, rentals that qualify as "temporary housing" (rented for less than 100 days per year to the same tenant) may not require a lead certificate.
From the Rhode Island Rental Registration Website:
"Do short-term rentals need lead certificates?
Short-term rentals that meet the following definition of “temporary housing” from the Lead Hazard Mitigation Act do not need a lead certificate. If your property meets this definition, you can select the “temporary housing” definition. "Temporary housing" means any seasonal place of residence that is rented for no more than one hundred (100) days per calendar year to the same tenant, where no lease renewal or extension can occur, and any emergency shelter intended for night-to-night accommodation.”
Ongoing Responsibilities
Landlords are required to update their rental property information annually by October 1. New property owners must register within 30 days of acquisition. Regular updates ensure compliance with state regulations and protect your ability to manage your rental properties legally.
Need Help?
For further assistance, visit the Rhode Island Rental Registry or contact their support team at 401-222-4549 or via email at rentalregistry@health.ri.gov
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