Rhode Island Landlord Required Disclosures: Complete Checklist

Rhode Island law requires landlords to provide tenants with several disclosures before or at the start of a tenancy. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in fines, inability to collect rent or evict, and potential lawsuits. This guide covers every mandatory disclosure.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general legal information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island for guidance specific to your situation. Information last verified: March 2026.

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 the Rhode Island-specific insert: "What You Should Know About the R.I. Lead 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 typically valid for two years and require renewal
• 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 and address of the property owner
• The name and address of any person authorized to manage the property
• The name and address 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.

Outstanding Code Violations

Before a tenant signs a lease, the landlord must disclose any known 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

Failure to disclose known violations may make the lease voidable at the tenant's option.

Fee Disclosure Requirements (Effective January 1, 2025)

Under Rhode Island Public Laws 308 and 309, effective January 1, 2025:

• All 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
• 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 unless a free alternative payment method is available
• Renter's insurance requirements must be disclosed in writing

Rental Registry Requirement (Effective September 2024)

As of September 1, 2024, all landlords in Rhode Island must:

• Register their rental units with the state by the designated deadline
• For properties built before 1978, upload lead certificates to prove compliance
• Maintain current registration — failing to register can prevent landlords from evicting tenants for nonpayment of rent

Security Deposit Disclosure

When collecting a security deposit, landlords should disclose:

• The amount of the deposit
• The account or institution where it will be held (required for landlords with 6+ units)
• The conditions under which deductions may be made
• The 20-day return timeline after tenancy ends
• Interest payment obligations (for landlords with 6+ dwelling units)

For full details, see our Security Deposits 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
• Utility responsibilities — Which utilities the tenant is responsible for

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 for pre-1978 properties
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.

Back to Rhode Island Landlord-Tenant Laws Overview.