Rhode Island Senate Bill S2474

Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/26
• Refer: 2/6/26

Caption

Requires landlords of residential properties built before 1978 to register lead hazard mitigation information with the department of health and the information would remain private and only accessible by specific entities.

Impact

The impact of S2474 extends to landlord-tenant relationships by reinforcing tenant rights against retaliatory actions by landlords. The bill specifies that landlords may not increase rent or decrease services as retaliation for tenants exercising their rights, such as reporting violations or forming tenant unions. This helps to protect tenants, especially in vulnerable housing situations where health and safety issues arise due to lead exposure.

Summary

Bill S2474 seeks to amend the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act by requiring landlords of residential properties built before 1978 to register lead hazard mitigation information with the Rhode Island Department of Health. This legislation aims to enhance compliance with lead safety protocols and ensure tenant safety in rental properties potentially affected by lead paint. The bill enforces the requirement for landlords to provide valid certificates of lead hazard conformance or evidence of exemption from such requirements, thereby prioritizing health standards in residential leases.

Contention

Notable points of contention include potential challenges landlords may face in complying with the new registration process and the cost implications associated with lead hazard remediation. Opponents might argue that the bill could add bureaucratic hurdles that particularly burden smaller landlords or those who may lack resources to comply. Conversely, advocates assert that stricter regulations are necessary to ensure tenant safety and that the benefits of preventing lead exposure outweigh any costs involved.