Comprehensive information for Rhode Island landlords on Lead Hazard Mitigation Inspections, covering importance, requirements, process, and compliance.

n Rhode Island, where many homes were built before 1978, lead-based paint was commonly used and remains a potential health hazard today. Although lead-based paint was banned in 1978, the recent passage of Rhode Island’s updated lead law on October 1, 2024, reinforces the importance of compliance for landlords with older properties. Over time, lead-based paint can deteriorate—chipping, cracking, or wearing away—and create hazardous lead dust, putting young children and pregnant individuals at particular risk. Rhode Island’s new law requires lead inspections to address these hazards, helping to ensure both tenant safety and regulatory compliance. This blog provides an overview of lead hazard mitigation inspections, associated costs, and the steps landlords should take under the updated law

What Is a Lead Hazard Mitigation Law in Rhode Island?

The Lead Hazard Mitigation Law in Rhode Island is designed to protect tenants from the risks of lead poisoning, especially in older housing. This law requires property owners with rental units built before 1978 to identify and fix any lead hazards and to keep their properties lead-safe. Under this law, a Lead Hazard Mitigation Inspection is necessary for most rental units built before 1978, ensuring that lead safety measures are in place and maintained. By following the law, property owners help reduce lead exposure risks, especially for young children and pregnant women, who are most vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead.

Reminder on the Lead Law in Rhode Island:

Rhode Island has new lead laws that aim to make properties safer from lead hazards. Some of these laws include:

• A statewide rental registry for landlords to register their properties
• A Lead Conformance Certificate for properties built before 1978
• An escrow account bill for landlords to set aside funds for lead safety compliance  

Landlords who don't comply with these laws may face monthly fines.

Let's focus on the lead hazard inspection process....

What Is a Lead Hazard Mitigation Inspection?

A Lead Hazard Mitigation Inspection is a process that helps ensure rental units stay safe and free of lead hazards. In Rhode Island, most rental units built before 1978—when lead-based paint was common—must have this inspection to check for any lead risks and confirm safety measures are in place.

A Lead Hazard Mitigation Inspection is required for most Rhode Island rental units built before 1978.

Which Rhode Island Rental Properties Are Exempt from Lead Hazard Mitigation Regulations?

Most landlords with rental units built before 1978 are required to comply with Rhode Island’s Lead Hazard Mitigation Regulations. However, certain properties are exempt from these requirements. Exemptions include:

• Rental units that have a Full Lead-Safe Certificate from the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH)
• Rental units with a current Conditional Lead-Safe Certificate from RIDOH
• Properties with a Certification of Lead-Free Status from RIDOH
• Temporary or seasonal housing rented to the same tenant for no more than 100 days in a calendar year
• Housing designated specifically for residents aged 62 or older

The Lead Inspection Requirements

To pass a Lead Hazard Mitigation Inspection, Rhode Island rental units built before 1978 must meet specific criteria. These requirements help ensure the ongoing safety of your tenants. During a Lead Hazard Mitigation Inspection, a licensed lead inspector will thoroughly examine all surfaces in the rental unit, common areas, and the exterior of the property. If they cannot access these areas, the unit will fail the inspection.

A licensed lead inspector will examine both the interior and exterior of the property. They will focus on:

Step 1: Interior and Exterior Paint Check

• Inspect Paint Condition: The inspector will look at all painted areas inside and outside the property. This includes windows, doors, moldings, and any other painted spots.
  • The paint should be solid, with no signs of peeling, flaking, chipping, or blistering.
  • All paint should be firmly attached without visible gaps or cracks.
• Surface Adhesion: Paint should stay well-adhered to surfaces, even at joints between different materials (like wood trim and drywall). Securely attached paint reduces lead hazard risks.

Step 2: Cleanliness Check for Lead Dust and Paint Chips

• Surface Cleanliness: Inspectors require all surfaces to be free of lead dust, paint chips, or other debris. Cleaning these areas before the inspection helps lower the spread of lead dust.

Step 3: Dust Sampling

• Dust Wipes: The inspector will collect at least three dust samples from different areas within the unit. In multi-family buildings, common areas will also be tested. The inspector will collect at least 1 wipe per unit in each shared common area.

Step 4: Smooth, Cleanable Surfaces on Horizontal Areas

• Check for Cleanable Surfaces: Horizontal surfaces, like floors, stairs, and windowsills, must be covered with smooth, cleanable materials. This prevents lead dust from accumulating on surfaces that are frequently touched.

Optional Step: Soil and Water Testing

• Soil and Water Tests: While not required to pass the inspection, inspectors may test soil and water for lead. If lead contamination is found, extra steps might be necessary to address it.

Following these steps guarantee that your property meets Rhode Island’s lead safety requirements and helps create a safer environment for tenants

Preparation Of The Rental Unit For The Lead Inspection

Getting Ready for the Inspection

Before the inspector arrives, make sure all walls are easy to see. This includes walls in closets, around built-in shelves, and behind any built-in furniture. Tenants should clear out closets and place their belongings in the center of the room, leaving closets clean and organized. This setup helps the inspector do a thorough check without any obstacles.

Using the DIY Approach To Fix and Paint Lead Hazards?

If you are planning to do the lead paint renovation, you must take a lead paint classes. EPA requires that any contractors, firms or individuals performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 buildings be certified by EPA. Common renovation activities such as sanding, cutting, and demolition can release harmful lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint. This exposure poses risks to both adults and children. To enforce this requirement, anyone painting and renovating lead paint renovations must follow lead-safe work practices by taking RRP classes in RI.

Individuals such as landlords can become certified renovators by taking an eight-hour training course from an EPA-approved training provider.

"To reduce these risks, To protect against this risk, on April 22, 2008, EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the rule, beginning April 22, 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

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. Individuals can become certified renovators by taking an eight-hour training course from an EPA-approved training provider. has set specific rules for lead-safe work practices" - Source Lead Safe RI

Keep in mind - While it is tempting to do the work your self to save on cost, a failed lead inspection can be more

Hiring a Certified Lead Renovator

Keep in mind—while it may be tempting to do the work yourself and take the course to save money, a failed lead inspection can end up costing even more. Hiring a certified professional is a state's requirement but ensures the job is done right, avoiding costly re-inspections and potential fines.

If you are looking for a certified lead professional, you can find a complete list here: https://health.ri.gov/find/leadprofessionals/

Cost of Lead Inspections in Rhode Island

The cost for a Lead Hazard Mitigation Inspection can vary based on property size, location, and inspection company. On average, lead inspection costs in Rhode Island range from $200 to $500 per unit. This fee often includes the initial assessment, dust sampling, and certification if the property passes the inspection.

Certification and Compliance

Upon passing the inspection, property owners receive a Certificate of Lead Conformance, valid for two years. Landlords must retain certificates for at least five years, proving ongoing compliance. Maintaining these records helps landlords avoid legal repercussions and demonstrates a commitment to tenant safety.