Rhode Island Lead Hazard Mitigation Act requires pre-1978 rental properties in Providence to obtain a Lead-Safe Certificate, with enforcement by RI Department of Health and Providence code inspectors under Chapter 17.
Providence has some of the oldest housing stock in the country, making lead paint a major public-health concern. The Rhode Island Lead Hazard Mitigation Act (RI General Laws Title 42, Chapter 128.1) requires landlords of pre-1978 rental units to obtain a Lead-Safe Certificate by addressing lead hazards and passing an independent inspection. Providence Code Chapter 17 (Housing) and Chapter 6 (Buildings) reinforce these duties locally. RI Department of Health maintains the certificate registry, and tenants of uncertified units may have rent-withholding and relocation rights.
Landlords without a current Lead-Safe Certificate face fines, tenant rent-escrow actions, and orders to remediate lead hazards before re-renting affected units.
See how Providence's lead paint rules stack up against other locations.
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