Lead Hazard Mitigation Law

In Rhode Island, the Lead Hazard Mitigation Law is designed to prevent lead poisoning.  Property owners with rental units built before 1978 must fix lead hazards and maintain lead safety.

Requirements and Exemptions in Rhode Island

Owner Requirements

The Lead Hazard Mitigation Law requires owners of all rental properties built before 1978 that are not exempt to

  • ​Get a Certificate of Lead Conformance (CLC);

  • Give tenants information about lead hazards;

  • Respond to tenants’ concerns within 30 calendar days;

  • Renew the CLC every two years or submit an Affidavit of Completion of Visual Inspection to extend the CLC expiration date; and

  • Hire a Lead Renovation Firm

    • When 6 sq ft of interior paint per room or more is disturbed,

    • When 20 sq ft or more of exterior paint is disturbed, or

    • For any window replacement, interior mechanical paint removal, or demolition activities.

Learn About Meeting the Requirements

To Get a CLC, the Property Owner or Designee Must

  • Request a lead inspection from a licensed Lead Inspector;

  • Fix any lead hazard within 30 calendar days if the property fails inspection; and

  • Have the property reinspected by a Lead Inspector to issue a CLC after hazards have been corrected.

Only a licensed Lead Inspector can conduct the required Lead Hazard Mitigation Inspection

Exempt Properties include

  • Rental units with a Full Lead-Safe or current Conditional Lead-Safe Certificate

  • Temporary, seasonal housing rented no more than 100 days in a calendar year to the same tenant

  • Housing designated for residents age 62 or older​

*The owner-occupied exemption was removed as of June 19, 2023

CLCs Expire After 2 Years

If there is a change in tenants

  • To get a new CLC, a licensed Lead Inspector must perform a Lead Hazard Mitigation Inspection within 30 calendar days of the CLC expiration.

If there is no change in tenants

  • Attend a three-hour Lead Awareness Class and

  • Then complete a visual inspection of the rental unit and apply to extend the CLC by submitting an Affidavit of Completion of Visual Inspection application to RIDOH. Visit health.ri.gov/lead-hazard for more information.

  • Alternatively, landlords can have the property inspected by a Lead Inspector and renew the CLC.

Owners Must Provide Tenants With

  • EPA pamphlet: "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home" and Rhode Island insert, "What You Should Know About the Rhode Island Lead Law";

  • Disclosure of the presence of lead-based paint and environmental lead hazards;

  • Most recent CLC and Affidavit(s) of Completion of Visual Inspection;

  • Name, address, and number to contact if lead hazards are found.