In response to increasing concerns over lead exposure in older buildings, Rhode Island is stepping up enforcement of lead inspection laws for rental properties, while landlords of short-term rentals remain exempt. This enforcement is part of a broader state strategy to link property registration requirements with mandatory lead checks.
Many real estate professionals and property owners are currently grappling with how to comply with these new regulations, which were implemented in September. The laws require that all landlords not only register their rental properties but also conduct lead inspections if their buildings were constructed with lead-based materials, such as paint.
Robin Leclerc, a real estate agent with Residential Properties, expressed concerns over the state’s communication methods regarding the new requirements. “The online notice that was issued did not provide adequate preparation time for property owners who might need to undertake extensive renovations to address lead contamination,” she said.
Despite the clarity of the requirements, a system for logging and inspecting properties has yet to be established by the state or by several local municipalities. This ambiguity has left many wondering about the specifics of compliance, particularly as enforcement procedures remain unclear.
Local authorities in towns like Narragansett, South Kingstown, and North Kingstown have indicated that they are not actively searching for violators but are focusing on ensuring that property owners are aware of and comply with the new laws.
The urgency behind these measures is underscored by Rhode Island’s troubling statistics on lead poisoning. The state has the second highest rate of children under six suffering from severe lead poisoning in New England, highlighting a significant public health issue.
Lead exposure in children can lead to a host of developmental problems, impacting their ability to grow, learn, and interact with others. Even minimal contact with lead dust, which is difficult to see, presents serious health risks.
Attorney General Peter F. Neronha, along with State Rep. Mia Ackerman (D-45 Cumberland, Lincoln) and State Sen. Dawn Euer (D-13 Newport, Jamestown), stated in May, “We know we have significant work to do.” Their comment reflects a broader consensus on the necessity for robust community health measures and stricter regulation enforcement.
The state’s initiative is aimed not just at preventing new cases of lead poisoning but also at mitigating the ongoing risks presented by older homes that still have lead-based paint, which was a common component of household paints in the past.
As Rhode Island tackles this persistent issue, the effectiveness of these new regulatory approaches will depend heavily on both the robustness of enforcement and the awareness and cooperation of property owners across the state.
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