The Rhode Island General Assembly has enacted a law, Chapter 157, which amends the “Residential Landlord and Tenant Act” by adding Section 34-18-58, establishing a statewide mandatory rental registry. Below are the key requirements for property owners (landlords):
- Mandatory Registration:
- All landlords must register specific information with the Department of Health. This includes:
- Names of individual landlords or any business entity responsible for leasing to a tenant.
- An active business address, PO box, or home address.
- An active email address.
- An active telephone number for tenant communication.
- Information on any property manager, management company, or agent for service, including their addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers.
- Information necessary to identify each dwelling unit.
- All landlords must register specific information with the Department of Health. This includes:
- Additional Requirements for Pre-1978 Properties:
- Landlords of properties constructed before 1978 must also provide a valid certificate of conformance with lead hazard mitigation regulations or evidence of exemption.
- Online Database:
- Contingent on available funding, the Department of Health will create a publicly accessible online database with the registered information by nine months following the effective date.
- Registration Deadlines:
- Existing landlords must register the required information by October 1, 2024.
- New landlords or those acquiring/leasing new properties after September 1, 2024, must register within 30 days of acquisition or lease.
- Annual re-registration by October 1 to update or confirm the accuracy of the information is mandatory.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance:
- A fine of at least $50 per month for failure to register the information required in subsection (a).
- A fine of at least $125 per month for failure to register the information required in subsection (b).
- Penalties are payable to the Department of Health and used for administering the registry or lead hazard mitigation.
- Eviction Restrictions:
- Landlords cannot commence eviction actions for nonpayment of rent unless compliant with registration requirements. Evidence of compliance must be presented to the court at the time of filing for eviction.
- Injunctive Relief and Additional Penalties:
- The Department of Health can seek injunctive relief and additional penalties for non-compliance.
- The Attorney General can seek injunctive relief and penalties of up to $1,000 per violation for repeated non-compliance with lead hazard mitigation requirements.
- Penalties collected will be used for lead hazard mitigation, enforcement, and administration of the registry.
- Effective Date:
- The act takes effect upon passage, with no penalties levied before October 1, 2024.
In summary, landlords in Rhode Island must register detailed contact information and property details with the Department of Health, comply with lead hazard mitigation requirements for older properties, and face penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, compliance with these requirements is necessary to pursue eviction actions for nonpayment of rent. Want my full guide so that you can ensure that your property is in compliance? Reach Out!