State guide
Rhode Island
Rhode Island has a statewide lead-safe rental system run through the Department of Health, and landlords of most pre-1978 non-exempt rentals must both register and maintain current lead documentation. Rhode Island also runs its own RRP program rather than relying on EPA.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- State lead program
- The Rhode Island Department of Health runs the Environmental Lead Program, rental lead certificate system, and statewide rental registry.
- Rental lead-safe requirements
- Yes. Rhode Island requires most non-exempt pre-1978 rental units to have a valid lead certificate, and landlords must register rentals with RIDOH.
- Certified lead inspector and risk assessor lookup
- Official page →
- Renovation (RRP) program
- state program
- Disclosure
- Yes. Rhode Island requires more than the federal pre-1978 disclosure, including copies of current lead certificates, a chronological list of reports/certificates, instructions for obtaining copies, and a stand-alone disclosure acknowledgment.
Official resources in Rhode Island
State page for the mandatory rental registry, landlord registration, the public database, and the lead inspector search.
Official RIDOH page for licensed environmental lead inspectors and related lead professional links.
Explains Rhode Island lead certificate paths, presumptive compliance, and landlord requirements for rental properties.
Official state rule covering disclosures, licensure, inspections, and RRP requirements.
Official state rule describing inspection types and the inspection required to obtain a rental lead certificate.
Key facts for Rhode Island
- All landlords must register rental properties with RIDOH under the RI Rental Registry.
- Owners of pre-1978 non-exempt rental units must obtain a valid lead certificate for all non-exempt units.
- A Lead Hazard Mitigation Inspection is required to obtain a Certificate of Lead Conformance for non-exempt residential rental units.
- RIDOH publishes an official Environmental Lead Inspectors page and searchable inspector directory.
- Rhode Island requires rental lead disclosures to include current lead certificates, report history, and owner or agent contact information.
- Rhode Island is EPA-authorized for RRP and state rules require licensed Lead Renovation Firms for covered RRP work.
Local rental lead ordinances in Rhode Island
| City | city | phone | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Lead Program, Rhode Island Department of Health Providence | Providence | 401-222-5960 | State office for lead inspectors, certificates, and lead program contacts. |
| RI Rental Registry Providence | Providence | Not published* | State registry for rental property registration, public database access, and lead inspector search. |
| Lead Safe Providence Program Providence | Providence | Not published* | City loan program to help make properties lead-safe, including non-owner-occupied properties. |
| Lead Hazard Reduction Program Providence | Woonsocket | 401-597-6613 | City program for lead hazard reduction in homes and residential units. |
* Not published: the official page doesn't list it. Call the office to confirm before you rely on it.
What to do next
- Check the build year and exemption status, then register the property in the RI Rental Registry before leasing or renewing.
- Use RIDOH’s inspector search to hire a licensed inspector and keep the certificate and reports ready for tenant disclosure.
- If you own a larger multiunit property, review RIDOH’s presumptive compliance materials before scheduling inspections.
Not seeing your city or county?
Not every city publishes its rules online. Try these, in order:
- General Start with the statewide information above.
- Closest verified Nearest places where we have verified local data outside this state (distance from Rhode Island's population center, for comparison only):
- Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, Massachusetts · about 49 miles
- Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, Massachusetts · about 49 miles
- Department of Labor Standards Asbestos Safety Program, Massachusetts · about 49 miles
- Call to confirm Ask the official office.RI Rental Registry
Website →Phone: (401) 222-5960 (as listed on that page, checked Oct 4, 2026)Your city or county office: Local governments →Not sure who handles it locally? USAGov's free help line, 1-844-872-4681, or the Rhode Island page on USA.gov can point you to the right office. - Know the current info? Tell us with a link to the official page.