Lead Poisoning Information For Landlords

Most homes in Rhode Island were built before 1978. They are very likely to have lead-based paint. Lead paint and paint dust can harm young children's health. There are steps landlords are required to take to protect tenants from lead. Learn more about what properties are exempt and what you should do.

Tenants also play a crucial role in minimizing lead exposure risks by maintaining the cleanliness of their living spaces, particularly from lead present 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

While landlords must follow legal requirements, tenants also play a role in reducing lead exposure by:

• Keeping floors and surfaces clean
• Minimizing dust and soil inside the home
• Reporting damaged or peeling paint immediately

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

1. Get a Lead Inspection

   Hire a licensed inspector to assess for lead hazards and obtain the proper certificate.

   • See below information on Proving Your Rental Property is Lead Safe

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 Warning Statement” in leases

3. Take a Lead Safety Class

   Start with the recommended:

   • 3-Hour Lead Hazard Awareness Class for Landlords (Available online)

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

   • All work must follow lead-safe practices
   • Workers must be trained in Lead Safe Work Practices
   • If you employ maintenance staff, they must comply with OSHA regulations too
   • 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

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

   If a lead hazard is found, you must act quickly:

   • You’ll receive a Notice of Violation
   • You have 90 days to fix all violations
   • If not fixed within 90 days, you will lose eligibility for lead paint liability insurance

   💡 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.

8. Prove Your Rental Property Is Lead-Safe

   If you rent out a home or apartment in Rhode Island, you’re required to have a valid lead certificate. This certificate proves your property is safe for tenants — especially children.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)