Rhode Island Landlord Required Disclosures: Complete Checklist

Under the Rhode Island Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (effective 1986), landlords are required to provide tenants with several disclosures before or at the start of a tenancy. Failure to comply with these statutory requirements can result in fines, inability to collect rent or evict, and potential lawsuits. This guide covers every mandatory disclosure in accordance with state legislation.

Mandatory Disclosures Overview

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure

For all rental properties built before 1978, landlords must comply with both federal and Rhode Island lead safety laws:

Federal Requirements (42 USC §4852d)

• Provide the EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home"
• Disclose any known lead-based paint or lead hazards
• Share all available records and reports regarding lead in the property
• Include a lead disclosure clause in the lease agreement

Rhode Island Requirements (§42-128.1)

• Provide basic educational materials and notices about lead hazards as required by state law
• Obtain and provide a Certificate of Conformance (lead-safe certificate) for pre-1978 units
• Lead certificates must be obtained through inspection by a licensed Lead Inspector
• Certificates are valid for two (2) years or until the next unit turnover, whichever is longer
• Lead-safe maintenance must be performed on an ongoing basis
• These requirements are especially stringent when children under six or pregnant individuals will reside in the unit

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Fines of up to $10,000 per violation under federal law
• Inability to evict tenants if lead certificates are not current
• Civil liability for lead poisoning injuries

Owner/Agent Identity Disclosure

Landlords must disclose in writing:

• The name, address, and telephone number of the property owner
• The name, address, and telephone number of any person authorized to manage the property
• The name, address, and telephone number of an agent designated to receive legal notices and process

This information must be provided before or at the time the lease is signed and kept current throughout the tenancy.

General Liability Insurance Disclosure

Under RIGL § 34-18-22(a)(7), landlords are required to:

• Maintain a general liability insurance policy of at least $100,000.
• Provide a copy of the policy declaration page to the tenant at the commencement of the tenancy.
• Provide a copy of the declaration page to the tenant upon every policy renewal.

Outstanding Code Violations

Before a tenant signs a lease, the landlord must disclose any outstanding minimum housing code violations that exist on the property. This includes violations from:

• Building code inspections
• Fire safety inspections
• Health department inspections
• Any other municipal or state inspection

If a landlord is cited for a violation during the tenancy, they must deliver a copy of the notice to each affected tenant within 30 days, unless the violation is corrected to the satisfaction of the enforcement agency within that period.

Foreclosure Notice

Under RIGL § 34-18-20(d), a landlord who becomes delinquent on a mortgage securing the rental property for a period of one hundred twenty (120) days must notify the tenant in writing that the property may be subject to foreclosure.

Fee and Utility Disclosure Requirements (Effective January 1, 2025)

Under RIGL § 34-18-15 (as amended by Public Laws 2024, ch. 308 and 309), effective January 1, 2025:

• All non-optional fees charged to a tenant must be clearly disclosed in writing.
• Fee disclosures must appear in the rental agreement or in a separate written document.
• Fees must be listed in the same section as the rent amount.
• Landlords must disclose in writing which utilities are the tenant's responsibility.
• Any changes to fees require 30 days' written notice.
• If a written lease is in effect, both parties must agree to fee changes.
• "Convenience fees" for specific payment methods (credit cards, checks, electronic payments) are prohibited under RIGL § 34-18-61 unless at least one fee-free alternative payment method is available.
• Renter's insurance requirements must be disclosed in writing.

Rental Registry Requirement (Effective September 2024)

Under RIGL § 34-18-58, effective September 1, 2024, all landlords in Rhode Island must:

• Register their rental units with the Rhode Island Department of Health by the designated deadline.
• For properties built before 1978, upload lead certificates to prove compliance.
• Maintain current registration — failing to register prevents landlords from commencing an action to evict for nonpayment of rent.

Security Deposit Disclosure

When collecting a security deposit, landlords should disclose:

• The amount of the deposit (limited to one month's rent).
• The conditions under which deductions may be made.
• The 20-day return timeline after tenancy ends.

Note: Rhode Island law does NOT require landlords to pay interest on security deposits or hold them in specific types of accounts, regardless of the number of units owned.

For full details, see our Security DepositsPreview unavailable guide.

Additional Recommended Disclosures

While not always legally mandatory, Rhode Island landlords should consider providing:

• Smoking policy — Whether smoking is permitted on the premises
• Pest history — Known infestations or pest control measures
• Flood zone designation — If the property is in a flood-prone area
• Radon testing results — If testing has been performed
• Mold presence — Known mold issues in the property

Best Practices for Landlords

1. Create a disclosure checklist — Track all required disclosures for each new tenant
2. Get signed acknowledgments — Have the tenant sign and date each disclosure receipt
3. Keep copies on file — Maintain records for the duration of the tenancy and beyond
4. Stay current on lead certificates — Renew every two years or upon unit turnover
5. Update disclosures promptly — If circumstances change, provide updated information in writing
6. Register early — Don't wait until enforcement actions begin for the rental registry

How Landager Helps

Landager's compliance management tools help you track disclosure requirements, store signed documents, set renewal reminders for lead certificates, and ensure your rental registry is up to date — reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties.

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