Requires landlords to register certain information for residential properties constructed prior to 1978 with the department of health on a statewide registry and defines which information may be viewed on a public database.

Rhode Island Senate Bill: Lead Paint Property Registry

This bill would require landlords who own older rental homes and apartments — specifically those built before 1978 — to register their properties with the Rhode Island Department of Health. The year 1978 is significant because that's when lead-based paint was banned for residential use in the United States, meaning older buildings are more likely to contain lead paint, which can be a serious health hazard, especially for young children. Under this bill, landlords would need to submit certain information about their properties to a new statewide registry managed by the Department of Health.

The bill also establishes a public database, though it specifies limits on what information from the registry can be publicly viewed. This means that while some details about registered properties would be accessible to the general public, other information may remain private or restricted. The goal appears to be creating a centralized system for tracking older rental housing that may pose lead paint risks.

This bill would primarily affect landlords who own pre-1978 rental properties across Rhode Island, who would need to comply with the new registration requirements. Tenants, prospective renters, and the general public could benefit from having access to information about older rental properties through the public database. The bill has been introduced and referred to the Senate Housing and Municipal Government Committee, meaning it is still in the early stages of the legislative process.