RI Rental Registry: What Landlords Must Know Now

If you own rental property in Rhode Island and haven't registered with the RI Rental Registry, your ability to file for eviction, even for nonpayment of rent, is already at risk. Here's what you need to know.

What the Registry Is and Who Must Register

The Rhode Island Rental Registry is a statewide database managed by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH). It was established by the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (RIGL 34-18-58), went into effect January 1, 2024, and is now fully operational with a publicly searchable database.

According to RIDOH, all property owners who rent residential units in Rhode Island must register single-family homes, multi-family buildings, condos, and apartment complexes. Short-term rentals rented to the same tenant for no more than 100 days per calendar year are exempt. Registration itself is free.

New landlords or new acquisitions must register within 30 days of acquiring or leasing the property. All registrations must be renewed annually by October 1.

What You'll Need and What Happens If You Don't Register

To complete registration, you'll need to provide your name or business entity, a current address, email, and phone number, property manager details (if applicable), identifying information for each dwelling unit, and the date current occupancy began. That information will be publicly accessible as required by law.

For pre-1978 properties, registration also ties directly to your lead certificate status. The Lead Hazard Mitigation Act has required lead certificates since 2005; a 2024 update removed the owner-occupied exemption for rental units. RIDOH will now automatically update valid lead certificates in the system when addresses match you no longer need to upload them manually.

The penalties for non-compliance are significant, according to RIDOH:

• At least $50 per unit, per month for failure to register

• At least $125 per unit, per month for missing a valid lead certificate

• Up to $1,000 per violation for repeat non-compliance (sought by the Attorney General)

• Loss of eviction rights for nonpayment of rent as of October 1, 2024, courts require proof of registry compliance before accepting eviction filings

Financial Help Is Available for Lead Work

If your pre-1978 property needs lead remediation to qualify for a certificate, you may not have to pay out of pocket. According to RIDOH, several assistance programs exist:

• RIHousing's LeadSafe Homes Program offers forgivable loans covering lead hazard work, typically with no out-of-pocket cost to the owner or tenant

• RI Residential Lead Abatement Income Tax Credit up to $1,500 per unit for mitigation work, up to $5,000 per unit for full abatement, applicable to up to three units per year

• City programs Providence has secured a $6.5 million federal grant for free comprehensive lead inspections at eligible properties; Woonsocket offers additional assistance as well

To get a lead certificate, your property must pass an inspection by a licensed lead inspector. Visit www.lead1978.com for a list of licensed inspectors and more information.

Bottom Line

RI Rental Registry compliance isn't optional, and waiting puts your rental income and eviction rights at risk. If you're unsure where your properties stand or want guidance navigating lead certificates and landlord compliance, reach out to the FAB Living Realty property management team. We help RI landlords stay protected and profitable.