Lead Poisoning Information For Landlords

Most homes in Rhode Island were built before 1978, so they likely have lead-based paint. That paint and its dust can harm young children’s health. If you’re a landlord, you must take steps to protect your tenants from lead. Find out which properties are exempt and what you need to do. 

Tenants also play a crucial role in minimizing lead exposure risks by keeping their living spaces clean, especially of lead found in paint, dust, and soil. 

Why It Matters

• Lead dust from old paint is a leading cause of lead poisoning in children. 
• Even small amounts of lead can damage the brain and nervous system. 
• Young children are especially vulnerable because they crawl, play, and put things in their mouths. 

Everyone Has a Role

Landlords must follow the law, but tenants can also help reduce lead exposure by: 

• Keeping floors and surfaces clean 
• Keeping dust and dirt in the home to a minimum 
• Reporting damaged or peeling paint right away 

If your property is not exempt, here's what you're required to do:

1. Get a Lead Inspection

   Have a licensed inspector check for lead hazards and get the right certificate. 

   If you rent out a home or apartment in Rhode Island, you need a valid lead certificate. It shows your property is safe for tenants, especially kids. 

2. Inform Tenants

   Notify all tenants about:

   • The presence of lead and share any lead certificates and/or inspection results
   • Distribute the Rhode Island version of Protect your family from Lead in the Home to tenants.  (keep evidence of its distribution for three years or duration of tenancy, whichever is longer)
   • For copies in languages other than English click EPA's "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home" pamphlet.
   • Include the required “Lead Disclosure Statement” in leases

3. Take a Lead Safety Class

   Start with the recommended:

   • 3-Hour Lead Hazard Awareness Class for Landlords (Available online)
     • Free RIDOH Course English 
     • Free RIDOH Course Spanish 
     • Paid Vendor Course 

4. Inspect Your Property Regularly

   Every two years — or between tenants — check for:

   • Peeling, chipping, or damaged paint
   • Wear-prone areas (windows, stair treads, door frames)

5. Fix Lead Problems Promptly

   • Repair any damaged paint right away
   • Use wet cleaning methods to reduce dust
   • Hire a licensed Lead Renovation Firm if disturbing painted surfaces

   Learn more about Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP)

   Fixing Lead Hazards in Pre-1978 Housing

   When Doing Repairs or Maintenance

   • Repair any damaged paint right away 
   • Use wet cleaning methods to reduce dust 
   • Lead hazard mitigation means making small repairs or removing lead in specific spots to fix lead hazards or keep a property lead safe. The work must cover less than 6 square feet per indoor room within 30 days or less than 20 square feet outside. The owner or their designee must do the work, and that person must have completed an approved lead hazard awareness seminar. 
   • All work must follow lead-safe practices 
   • Any work above spot removal must be performed by a licensed professional trained in Lead Safe Work Practices
   • Learn more about Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP)
   • Fixing Lead Hazards in Pre-1978 Housing

6. Get lead Paint Liability Insurance

   If you own a rental property built before 1978, you must have insurance that covers lead paint liability.

   To qualify, your property must have one of the following:

   • Certificate of Lead Conformance
   • Presumptive Compliance Certificate
   • Conditional Lead-Safe Certificate
   • Full Lead-Safe Certificate

   Don't Risk Losing Coverage, Fix Lead Hazards Quickly

   💡 Tip: Stay proactive — schedule inspections and fix problems early.

7. Follow the Property Maintenance Code

   All rental properties in Rhode Island must comply with the State Property Maintenance Code. This law sets the minimum health and safety standards for housing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)