Providence, RI Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- RI Property Maintenance Code (SBC-6)
- Local citation
- Providence Code § 13-5
- Enforcer
- Minimum Housing Standards Division
- Appeals body
- Housing Board of Review
- Penalty
- $1-$500 per offense/day (§ 1-10)
Summary
Providence enforces Rhode Island's statewide Property Maintenance Code (SBC-6) as its rental habitability standard, with a Minimum Housing Standards Division inspecting units and a Housing Board of Review hearing appeals from compliance orders.
The City of Providence shall follow and enforce the State of Rhode Island Property Maintenance Code codified by the Property Maintenance Code for the State of Rhode Island, hereinafter referred to as SBC-6, and administered by R.I.G.L. 1956 § 23-27.3-100 et seq.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 7).
Full Breakdown
Providence adopted the Rhode Island Property Maintenance Code, SBC-6, as its local minimum housing standard under Code of Ordinances § 13-5, rather than writing its own separate habitability rules. The city's Minimum Housing Standards Division, inside the Department of Inspection and Standards, inspects dwellings and issues compliance orders when heat, hot water, sanitation, structural safety, or other conditions fall below the state code (§§ 13-6 through 13-9). Violators face SBC-6 penalties plus the Chapter 1 general fine under § 13-16. A landlord or tenant can appeal a compliance order to the city's Housing Board of Review, which can affirm, reverse, or modify the director's order under § 13-27.
Violations & Fines
Violating SBC-6 minimum housing standards is punished under § 13-16 via SBC-6 penalties plus the Chapter 1 general fine of $1-$500 per offense, with each day a separate, continuing violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Providence have its own habitability code?
Who enforces habitability standards in Providence?
What happens if a landlord ignores a compliance order?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Providence
Compare Providence to another location·View the Rhode Island rental property rules overview
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Repairs & Habitability in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle repairs & habitability.