For Rhode Island landlords, ensuring compliance with state laws on lead safety is a legal responsibility. With strict Rhode Island lead laws, landlords of pre-1978 properties must meet lead certification standards to ensure tenant safety and avoid costly fines. This blog will guide you through the lead certification process in Rhode Island and provide a clear overview of the requirements and steps involved.
The Lead Certification Process in Rhode Island
Rhode Island lead certification process: FREE Comprehensive Guide
Rhode Island Law on Lead Conformance
Under Rhode Island law, landlords of residential properties built before 1978 are required to:
- Bring Properties into Lead-Safe Compliance
Landlords must address all lead hazards in their properties following the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) guidelines. - Have Units Inspected
Inspections must be conducted by a licensed Lead Inspector or Lead Inspector Technician. Inspections identify lead hazards like peeling paint or contaminated soil. - Obtain a Certificate of Conformance
After passing an inspection, landlords receive a Certificate of Conformance and an inspection report to prove compliance with Rhode Island lead laws. - Register Properties by October 1, 2024
All landlords must register their rental properties in the Rental Registry Database under RIGL 34-18-58. This registry will provide vital housing information to property owners, renters, and public health and municipal officials.
Why Lead Certification is Important
Tenant Safety and Health
Lead poisoning poses severe health risks, especially for children under six. By complying with the lead certification process, landlords can reduce exposure to lead hazards, ensuring safe living conditions.
Legal Compliance
Failure to meet Rhode Island lead laws can lead to:
- Legal penalties.
- Revocation of rental licenses.
- Increased liability in tenant disputes.
Protecting Your Investment
Maintaining a lead-safe property not only safeguards tenants but also preserves the long-term value of your investment.
Steps for Lead Certification Process in Rhode Island
Hire a Licensed Lead Inspector
A Rhode Island lead inspector assesses the property for lead hazards. Their evaluation covers:
- Lead-based paint.
- Dust contamination on floors and windows.
- Soil near the property.
Use the RIDOH inspector directory to find certified professionals.
What Inspectors Look For
Since inspectors can't account for factors like the age of the underlying materials or how many layers of paint exist between older lead-based paint and newer applications, the condition of the surfaces is key. To pass the inspection:
- All surfaces must be intact: There should be no peeling, chipping, or cracking paint.
- Proper encapsulation: Surfaces should be sealed effectively to prevent any exposure to lead dust.
- No signs of deterioration: Even minor wear can compromise the safety of the encapsulation.
Important: All surfaces in the unit must be intact and encapsulated with no signs of deterioration to pass a lead hazard mitigation inspection.
Address Lead Hazards
Based on the inspection report, you are required to complete the remediation tasks. Certified contractors must complete the work, such as:
- Encapsulating lead paint.
- Replacing or repairing windows, doors, and trim with lead contamination.
- Stabilizing contaminated soil.
- Replacing lead-contaminated fixtures.
If you choose to do the lead renovation and repairs, you must take the RRP Course:
Renovate, Repair and Painting Classes (RRP Classes)
EPA requires that firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools be certified by EPA and that they use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers to follow lead-safe work practices by taking RRP classes in RI or RRP courses in RI. Individuals can become certified renovators by taking an eight-hour training course from an EPA-approved training provider.
Also, RRP refresher training class (RRP refresher training course) was developed by the U.S. EPA, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), to re-train renovation, repair, and painting contractors how to work safely in housing with lead-based paint and comply with EPA’s Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule, and HUD’s Lead Safe Housing Rule. This class is only available in person. Contact Lead Safe RI : 401-475-5858 or visit their website
Schedule a Clearance Inspection
After completing repairs, a clearance inspection verifies the property is lead-safe. Inspectors collect and analyze dust samples to confirm it meets RIDOH standards.
| Recommended : LEADSAFE RI
File for a Certificate of Conformance
Submit the inspection and clearance documents to RIDOH to receive your Certificate of Lead Conformance, proving compliance with Rhode Island laws.
Register Your Property
By October 1, 2024, all rental properties must be registered in the Rental Registry Database. This database will serve as a critical resource for landlords, tenants, and public officials.
Important Notice:
Additional Resources for Rhode Island Landlords
RI Lead Certificate Database
Landlords and tenants can verify property compliance through the RI Lead Certificate Database, managed by RIDOH. Access it here.
List of Rhode Island Lead Inspectors
The RIDOH directory provides a certified list of Rhode Island lead inspectors, helping landlords connect with qualified professionals.
Where to Take a RI Landlord Lead Class
Landlords interested in performing minor lead hazard repairs can take the EPA-certified Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) course. Find options through:
Certificate of Conformance Explained
A Certificate of Conformance is a legal document proving your property is lead-safe. This certification must be kept current and is required for rental operations in Rhode Island.
Common Challenges in Lead Certification
Managing Deadlines
While the new property registration deadline was initially set for October 1, 2024, the Rhode Island Department of Health recognized the challenges landlords are facing to obtain a lead certificate in time. However, RIDOH urges landlords to act quickly to ensure all steps are completed in reasonable time.
Unexpected Costs
Lead remediation and inspections can be expensive. Budgeting for potential repairs and multiple inspections is critical. According to our database, the average landlords spend $5000 for the lead remediation repairs.
Complexity of Rhode Island Lead Laws
Navigating the lead certification process and complying with RIDOH regulations can be overwhelming, especially for first-time landlords. It's highly recommended to work with a professional property management to guarantee that your properties are always in compliance with the state laws.
Stonelink Property Management: Your Partner in Lead Compliance in Rhode Island
Our Team is RRP Certified, in compliance with EPA requirement to be a lead-safe renovator.
Stonelink makes lead compliance simple. Our maintenance team is RRP-certified to handle lead repairs and renovations. We assess repairs, complete lead updates and schedule inspections quickly. We’ve issued over 1,300 lead certificates , helping landlords in Rhode Island stay compliant and protect their rental properties. We guarantee lead certification. If your inspection doesn’t pass after our work, we’ll fix it at no extra cost.
FAQ About the Lead Certification Process in Rhode Island
What is the Rental Registry Database?
The Rental Registry Database is a statewide system where landlords must register their rental properties. It supports housing data for landlords, tenants, and public health officials.
How do I get a Certificate of Conformance?
Hire a licensed inspector to evaluate your property, address any hazards, pass a clearance inspection, and file the required documents with RIDOH.
Is the October 1, 2024, registration deadline mandatory?
Yes. All landlords of rental properties must register by this date as per RIGL 34-18-58.
Can I perform lead hazard repairs myself?
Yes, but you must complete the EPA-certified RRP course and follow RIDOH guidelines.
