Rhode Island's New Rental Registry is Live: What Landlords Need to Know

If you're a landlord in Rhode Island, it's time to act on an important new regulation. The Rhode Island government has officially launched its Rental Registry for Rental Properties in Rhode Island. all landlords must comply by October 1, 2024. Failure to register can result in fines or legal issues. Here’s what you need to know to stay compliant.

What is the Rental Registry for Rental Properties in Rhode Island?

The Rental Registry, is a state-led initiative aimed at improving rental housing safety and transparency. As a result, landlords must register their rental properties in Rhode Island to ensure they meet health and safety standards. With this in mind, landlords of rental properties in Rhode Island must register every residential unit they rent out. It includes single-family homes, multifamily properties, or condominiums..

(Source: Rhode Island General Law 34-18-58)

If you own a property built before 1978, specifically, you must submit proof of a valid lead certificate. This step is crucial for ensuring the safety of older properties.

Key Deadlines to Remember

• Initial Registration Deadline: All rental properties must be registered by October 1, 2024.
• New Landlords: You must register within 30 days of purchasing or leasing a rental property
• Annual Re-Registration: Landlords must update property details annually by October 1 to stay compliant.

How to Register Your Rental Property

Registering your property is simple and can be done online. Here's the process:

1. Visit rentalregistry.ri.gov.
2. Create an account.
3. Provide your property details.
4. Upload the required lead certificate (if applicable).
5. Submit your information

Any of the above information may be made publicly available according to the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (RIGL 34-18-58)

Rhode Island Rental Registry (Step-by-step guide for landlords)

What are the fines and legal consequences for failure to register your rental properties in Rhode Island?

•  Landlords who do not meet the requirement to register in the Rhode Island Rental Registry are subject to a civil fine of at least $50, per unit, per month.
•  Landlords who do not meet the requirement to provide a valid lead certificate are subject to a civil fine of at least $125 per unit, per month.
• Landlords are not able to file for eviction for nonpayment of rent unless they are registered in the Rhode Island Rental Registry and provide the court with evidence of compliance.
• Rhode Island Department of Health may seek injunctive relief and additional civil penalties of up to $50 per violation against landlords who repeatedly fail to comply with subsection (a) of R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-58.
• The Office of the Attorney General nay seek injunctive relief and additional civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation against landlords who repeatedly fail to comply with subsection (b) of R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-58

Why You Must Register Your Rental Property in Rhode Island?

Registering your rental properties in Rhode Island is required, and the October 1 deadline is quickly approaching. Here’s why you need to act now:

• Stay Compliant: The October 1 deadline applies to all rental properties, including single-family homes, multifamily properties, and condos.
• Avoid Fines: If you miss the deadline, you could face fines and legal action, which could affect your rental income.
• Ensure Legal Protection: By registering, you meet the state’s safety standards and reduce your legal risks.
• Mitigate Lead Hazards: For properties built before 1978, submitting a valid lead certificate ensures you comply with state regulations and protect tenants from lead poisoning.
• Build Tenant Trust: Registering shows tenants that you care about their safety, making your property more attractive and helping you retain long-term renters.

In conclusion, registering your rental property in Rhode Island is more than just a requirement—it’s a crucial step toward safeguarding your investment and protecting your tenants. By complying with the state’s new regulations before the October 1 deadline, you can not only avoid costly penalties but also meet important safety standards. Additionally, this helps build trust with current and prospective renters. In the long run, acting now ensures your property remains in good standing and continues to generate income without legal complications. Therefore, don’t wait until it’s too late—register today and set your property up for long-term success.

Stonelink Property Management: Leading the Way in Compliance and Safety

At Stonelink Property Management, we take pride in keeping our clients ahead in safety and compliance. Over the past few months, we have secured over 950 lead certificates for properties under our management. We created our own lead certification team to accelerate the process. Moreover, this commitment not only protects our clients but also ensures tenant safety.

Now that the Rhode Island Rental Registry is in place, we have seamlessly integrated it into our property management process. Specifically, we handle all registration requirements to guarantee compliance before the October 1 deadline. In addition, we manage the submission of lead certificates, giving our clients peace of mind. As a result, they can focus on their investments while we take care of the details.

Because managing rental properties involves many responsibilities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, Stonelink Property Management simplifies the process. We ensure compliance with state regulations, so you avoid penalties and protect your income.

If you need help managing your rental properties in Rhode Island, contact us today to learn how we can support you.

Frequently Asked Questions