Rhode Island law requires landlords to remediate bed bug infestations in rental units and prohibits leasing a unit known to be infested; Providence enforces through its Lead-Safe and Healthy Housing inspections.
Under RI General Laws §34-18 (Residential Landlord and Tenant Act) and RIDOH housing rules, landlords must keep rental units fit for habitation, which includes treating bed bug infestations. Landlords must hire a licensed pest-control operator and cannot rent a unit with an active known infestation. Tenants must report suspected infestations promptly and cooperate with treatment (laundering, decluttering). Providence inspectors investigate complaints under Chapter 15 and Chapter 17 (Housing) and can order treatment. Costs typically fall on the landlord unless the tenant introduced the infestation through negligence.
A landlord who fails to remediate after notice may face Providence housing-code citations and tenant rent-withholding remedies under RI §34-18.
See how Providence's bed-bug rules rules stack up against other locations.
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