If you own a rental property in Rhode Island, lead safety just moved to the top of your priority list in 2025.
The updated Rhode Island lead laws now place more responsibility on property owners, landlords, and real estate investors. These new lead laws were designed to reduce lead exposure, improve housing quality, and protect residents in rental units located in older properties built before 1978.
There’s more to keep track of now. The Lead Poisoning Prevention Act has been expanded. The statewide rental registry is required. And you’ll need a valid lead conformance certificate before renting. The Rhode Island Department of Health and the Attorney General are enforcing these changes with tighter rules and higher financial penalties for non-compliance.
If that sounds like a lot, it is. But missing any part of this process can put your rental income and investment at risk. Let this article provide you with a clear understanding of the Rhode Island lead laws for 2025, so you can keep your rental properties compliant and protected.
Key Takeaways
Here’s a quick recap of what landlords need to know about the lead laws for 2025.
- Rhode Island's lead laws for 2025 require all rental properties built before 1978 to follow strict lead safety compliance rules.
- Landlords must register their units with the statewide rental registry and hire a licensed lead inspector to check for lead hazards.
- If hazards are found, necessary repairs must be made to meet lead safety standards before the unit can be rented.
- A lead conformance certificate is required to demonstrate that the property is lead compliant and eligible for legal rental.
- Non-compliance can result in financial penalties, legal action, and restrictions on rent collection.
Why Rhode Island’s Lead Laws Have Changed
Rhode Island has long struggled with lead poisoning due to its aging housing stock. A large portion of Rhode Island’s housing stock was built before lead-based paint was banned in 1978. Many of these rental properties still contain lead hazards, which pose serious health risks to children, including learning disabilities and behavioral issues.
To address this, the Rhode Island General Assembly strengthened the Lead Poisoning Prevention Act by introducing new legislation that expands landlord obligations, increases enforcement, and prioritizes tenant safety.
The 2025 changes mark a significant shift in how landlords must manage their rental properties. Failing to comply can result in heavy financial penalties, legal consequences, and even restrictions on rent collection.
Key Components of the New Lead Laws
The 2025 lead law updates include several significant changes that affect how landlords manage their rental properties:
1. Statewide Rental Registry Requirement
All housing units offered for rent must now be listed in the state's rental registry. This registry enables the state to identify which rental units are subject to lead laws and to more closely monitor compliance.
Failure to register your property means you're not only violating the law, but also putting yourself at risk. You could face inspections, fines, and restrictions on your ability to collect rent.
2. Mandatory Lead Compliance Certificate
Before a property can be rented out, it must have a valid lead compliance certificate, also known as a lead conformance certificate. This applies to most rental units in properties built before 1978, unless the property qualifies for an exemption.
A licensed lead inspector must perform the inspection. If the property passes, the conformance certificate is issued. If not, the landlord must complete all necessary repairs to make the unit lead-safe.
3. Escrow Requirement for Non-Compliant Properties
If a landlord fails to bring their unit into strict compliance, tenants may be legally allowed to place rent payments in an escrow account until the issue is resolved. This gives tenants added protection and puts financial pressure on repeat offenders.
4. More Power for the Attorney General
The Attorney General now has broader authority to take legal action against landlords who remain out of compliance, including seeking injunctive relief and pursuing financial penalties. Repeat offenders could be restricted from operating rental properties altogether.
Understanding the Compliance Process
Keeping up with the new rules can feel overwhelming, but breaking the process into clear steps makes it more manageable. Here's what landlords and property owners need to do to meet lead safety compliance under the updated Rhode Island lead laws:
Step 1: Determine if Your Property is Subject to the Law
If your property was built before 1978 and is not owner-occupied, it is likely subject to the lead laws. Check the building’s construction date and ownership status.
Step 2: Register Your Property
Add your rental unit to the statewide rental registry maintained by the Rhode Island Department of Health. This is now mandatory under the new lead laws.
Step 3: Schedule an Inspection
Hire a licensed lead inspector to evaluate your property for lead hazards. Only certified professionals are authorized to conduct these inspections in Rhode Island.
Step 4: Make Necessary Repairs
If lead hazards are found, you'll need to complete necessary repairs to meet lead safety standards. This might include replacing windows, removing peeling paint, or addressing contaminated soil.
Step 5: Obtain Your Lead Certificate
Once your property passes inspection, the lead inspector will issue a lead conformance certificate, confirming your property is lead compliant and ready to rent.
At Stonelink Property Management, we manage more than 1,700 properties throughout Rhode Island. Our team handles every step of the compliance process—from scheduling inspections to coordinating repairs—so you can meet the latest lead safety standards without added stress.
Learn more about the certification process
What Happens if You Don’t Comply?
Failing to meet lead safety compliance puts you at risk of:
- Financial penalties imposed by the state
- Being barred from collecting rent until you become compliant
- Tenants placing rent into escrow accounts
- Legal action by the Attorney General
- Loss of rental licenses or property operation rights
- Public listing in the state's non-compliance database
For many landlords, staying ahead of these risks is not just about avoiding fines. It's also more about protecting their investment, their tenants, and their reputation.
Why Lead Safety Matters for Property Performance
Beyond avoiding fines and lawsuits, complying with Rhode Island lead laws is a way to ensure the safety of your renters. Tenant safety should always be a top priority, especially when it involves preventing lead poisoning in children.
The new laws are designed to ensure that real estate investors and landlords provide lead-safe homes. In return, you gain peace of mind, tenant trust, and long-term stability.
Budgeting for Lead Compliance: What to Expect
The financial obligations tied to lead compliance can indeed feel daunting. However, the cost of non-compliance is far greater in the long run.
Here’s what to expect:
- Lead inspection: $300–$500 per unit
- Repairs: Variable based on the property (windows, painting, etc.)
- Re-inspection fees (if applicable)
- Fines for non-compliance: Can exceed $1,000 per violation
- Legal costs if cited or sued
The good news? There are grant programs and state resources available to help offset some of the costs. Stonelink clients often benefit from our knowledge of these funding options and our trusted vendor network, which keeps repair costs down.
Get to know the lead inspection process
What Real Estate Investors Should Know
If you’re buying or managing rental properties in Rhode Island, the new lead laws add a layer of responsibility, but they also bring clarity. With the statewide rental registry and consistent inspection process, it’s easier to understand your obligations and avoid legal trouble.
Before purchasing properties built before 1978, investors should:
- Review the property’s lead certificate history
- Confirm it’s registered in the state rental registry
- Hire a licensed lead inspector to assess lead hazards
- Budget for necessary repairs if needed
Smart investors see this as part of protecting their long-term assets and not just another box to check.
When to Seek Professional Help
With the new lead laws in full effect, many landlords are turning to professionals to ensure they don’t fall behind. Staying compliant means keeping up with inspections and repairs while making sure the right documents are submitted on time.
Stonelink Property Management offers full-service support, including:
- Scheduling and coordinating with licensed lead inspectors
- Managing necessary repairs and certifications
- Filing documents with the Rhode Island Department
- Monitoring inspection schedules and deadlines
- Ensuring full lead safety compliance before each turnover
If you're unsure where your property stands or haven’t had an inspection recently, now is the time to act.
Final Thoughts: Stay Compliant, Stay Protected
The Rhode Island lead laws for 2025 raise the bar for rental properties, and many landlords are learning just how costly non-compliance can be. Financial penalties, delays in rent collection, and added legal risks are now part of the equation.
Staying on top of lead safety compliance doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. A clear plan, regular inspections, and proper documentation can keep your property fully protected.
Landlords who act early have the advantage. Getting your property inspected, making any necessary repairs, and securing a valid lead conformance certificate are the key steps to staying compliant under the new lead laws.
At Stonelink Property Management, we partner with property owners and real estate investors to protect their assets and ensure compliance with all lead safety standards, all while maintaining their time and peace of mind.
We view every property through the lens of performance. That means staying ahead of state regulations, minimizing your risk, and keeping your rental units safe, profitable, and fully compliant.
Let us handle the hard parts. Contact Stonelink Property Management today and learn how our expert team can keep your properties safe, compliant, and performing at their best.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a new lead certificate if I already have one from a previous tenant?
Yes. A lead compliance certificate may need to be renewed depending on the type of certificate issued and any changes to the property. For example, if additional work has been done or a new inspection is required under updated laws, a new certificate may be necessary.
2. Are owner-occupied multi-family homes subject to the lead laws?
In most cases, owner-occupied buildings with fewer than four units are exempt. However, if you rent out units in the property and it was built before 1978, it's important to confirm specific requirements with the Rhode Island Department of Health.
3. Can I delay repairs if I plan to sell the property?
No. As long as the unit is being rented or occupied by tenants, it must meet lead safety standards regardless of future sale plans. Failing to address known lead hazards could expose you to liability and impact the sale process.
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