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Providence, RI Rental Property Rules: Relocation Assistance (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Lead law
RI §42-128.1
Trigger
Child lead poisoning
Code condemnation
May force relocation
Citywide fund
Limited

Summary

Providence ties relocation assistance most directly to the Rhode Island Lead Hazard Mitigation Act under General Laws Chapter 42-128.1, which can trigger relocation when units are unsafe for children.

Property owners of pre-1978 rental dwellings shall: Learn about lead hazards by taking a lead hazard awareness seminar; Evaluate the dwelling and premises for lead hazards consistent with lead hazard control evaluation standards; Correct identified lead hazards by meeting and maintaining the lead hazard mitigation standard; Provide tenants with basic information about lead control, a copy of the independent clearance inspection; Correct lead hazards within thirty (30) days after notification from the tenant of a dwelling unit with an at-risk occupant.

Source: Providence Code of OrdinancesView official code

Full Breakdown

Providence does not run a broad citywide relocation-assistance fund, but Rhode Island General Laws Chapter 42-128.1, the Lead Hazard Mitigation Act, can require landlords to relocate families when a child has been poisoned or when emergency abatement is ordered. Relocation may also follow code-enforcement actions under Providence Chapter 17 when units are condemned for habitability or fire-safety reasons. Tenants displaced by substantial rehabilitation under Section 17-216 may negotiate relocation assistance individually, and nonprofit partners and the Providence Human Relations Commission can help connect displaced households to resources.

Violations & Fines

Failing to relocate a family when a lead-hazard order requires it can trigger penalties under RI General Laws Chapter 42-128.1 and additional Providence code-enforcement action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Providence pay for my move if I'm displaced?
Usually not directly; help typically flows through state lead-hazard remedies, code-enforcement orders, or nonprofit partners rather than a citywide relocation fund.
Does substantial rehab require relocation pay?
It can be negotiated under Section 17-216 just-cause cases, but Providence does not impose a fixed statutory relocation amount the way some cities do.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Providence

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsRental RegistrationSignificant RestrictionsRepairs & HabitabilitySome RestrictionsSecurity Deposit RulesSome RestrictionsTenant Anti-HarassmentSome RestrictionsRent ControlFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant Restrictions

All Providence rules

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