Rhode Island Landlord Responsibilities for Habitability

Rhode Island Landlord Responsibilities for Habitability

Last Updated: July 8, 2024 by Roberto Valenzuela

Rhode Island legally requires landlords to meet certain “habitability” requirements for all rental properties. This means that they’re responsible for providing a property that meets specific health and safety standards and for fixing issues that violate them.

Rhode Island Implied Warranty of Habitability

In Rhode Island, the implied warranty of habitability means that a landlord must provide and maintain a safe and habitable rental property. “Implied” means the requirement applies whether or not the lease agreement specifically says so and even if the lease tries to waive the obligation.

Examples of clear habitability violations include:

  • Exposed electrical wiring
  • A pipe leaking human waste
  • A broken front doorknob that won’t lock

However, the implied warranty of habitability does not guarantee that anything at the property will be pretty, clean, new or issue-free, so it doesn’t cover things like peeling carpet or dents in a wall. It only guarantees basic health and safety.

Landlord Responsibilities in Rhode Island

Note: Check local city/county laws and ordinances for additional requirements.

Specific Responsibilities Has To Provide? Has To Fix / Replace?
Air Conditioning / Heating Heating Only, Oct. 1 – May 1 Yes
Hot Water Yes Yes
Kitchen Appliances Usually Only If Provided
Washer and Dryer Not Addressed Only If Provided
Smoke/CO Detectors Smoke Only Yes
Window Coverings Yes Usually Not
Light Fixtures Yes Yes
Landscaping Not Addressed Not Addressed
Garbage Removal Sometimes Yes
Garbage Pickup Yes Yes
Mold N/A Yes
Pest Control No N/A
Pest Infestations N/A Sometimes
Water Leaks N/A Sometimes
Clogs N/A Sometimes

Landlord Responsibilities for Heating and Air Conditioning in Rhode Island

Rhode Island landlords must provide and maintain heating between October 1 and May 1 of every year. They don’t have to provide air conditioning, but do have to maintain it if provided. The heating equipment must be:

  • At least 18 inches above floor level.
  • Able to heat all bedrooms and bathrooms to at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit in winter.

Are Landlords Required To Provide Air Filter Replacements in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island landlords don’t have to replace things like air filters, unless heating equipment won’t work otherwise.

Landlord Responsibilities for Plumbing in Rhode Island

Rhode Island landlords must provide and maintain working plumbing. This means each rental property must contain the following fixtures, all connected to a sewer or septic system and all in proper working order:

  • A kitchen sink
  • A bathroom sink
  • A toilet
  • A bathtub or shower

Are Landlords Required To Provide Hot Water in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island landlords must provide and maintain running heated and unheated water.

Are Landlords Responsible for Fixing Clogs in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island landlords must fix clogs the renter didn’t cause which inhibit the usability of required plumbing.

Are Landlords Responsible for Fixing Leaks in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island landlords must fix leaks the renter didn’t cause which affect the health, safety, or habitability of the property. Minor leaks that cause annoyance or cosmetic water damage don’t count.

Landlord Responsibilities for Kitchen Appliances in Rhode Island

Rhode Island landlords are responsible for ensuring availability of required kitchen appliances. There’s no requirement for a dishwasher, freezer, or oven, but properties must have a refrigerator, plus an appliance that cooks food (such as a stove or microwave). The landlord must provide these, or connections for renters to install their own.

    Landlord Responsibilities for Electrical Issues in Rhode Island

    Rhode Island landlords must maintain working electrical service for every unit on a rental property, if any part of that property is within 300 feet of a connection to the electrical grid.

    Are Landlords Responsible for Replacing Light Bulbs in Rhode Island?

    Rhode Island landlords must provide and maintain certain light fixtures (including bulb replacement) for every unit of a property that’s within 300 feet of electric service. There must be at least one light in each of the following places:

    • Laundry room
    • Furnace room
    • Kitchen area
    • Bathroom area
    • Public halls
    • Public stairways

    Landlord Responsibilities for Garbage Removal in Rhode Island

    Rhode Island landlords are usually responsible for garbage removal. It’s the landlord’s responsibility to provide garbage service. For properties with fewer than four units, the landlord can make the renter provide garbage containers. For properties with more, they’re the landlord’s responsibility. Containers must be rodent-proof, insect-proof, and watertight.

    Landlord Responsibilities for Landscaping in Rhode Island

    Rhode Island landlords have no specific obligation to provide landscaping or maintain it with actions like cutting grass. They only have to deal with issues like fallen trees if they create a hazard to health, safety, or habitability.

    Landlord Responsibilities Regarding Mold in Rhode Island

    Rhode Island landlords are responsible for most mold issues. There’s no state requirement for regular testing, but a landlord must investigate and fix mold problems since they threaten health and safety. If the renter caused the issue, they may have to fix it or pay the treatment cost as rent.

    Landlord Responsibilities Regarding Pests in Rhode Island

    Rhode Island landlords are responsible for fixing pest problems that affect more than one rental unit, including ants, mice, roaches, and bedbugs. If pests affect only one unit, they’re the renter’s responsibility unless the landlord’s failure to maintain the property created the issue.

    Landlords and renters are both responsible for making sure to neatly stack any piled trash or debris at least 18 inches above the ground, so as not to attract rodents.

    Landlord Responsibilities for Windows and Window Coverings in Rhode Island

    Rhode Island landlords are responsible for furnishing and maintaining most windows.

    Unless there’s a written agreement otherwise, the landlord must provide screens, double doors, and storm doors/windows wherever required by code, along with blinds for all bedrooms and bathrooms. Once provided, it’s the renter’s responsibility to maintain and replace all of these, except as agreed in the lease.

    As an issue that affects health and safety, broken windows are the landlord’s responsibility, unless the renter’s actions broke them.

    Landlord Responsibilities Regarding Safety Devices in Rhode Island

    Rhode Island landlords must provide and maintain smoke alarms, and required carbon monoxide (CO) detectors.

    Are Landlords Responsible for Replacing Batteries of Safety Devices in Rhode Island?

    Rhode Island landlords must replace batteries of safety devices, since it’s a landlord’s duty to keep rental property up to code. However, if the landlord and tenant agree in writing, separate from the lease, the landlord can legally pass this responsibility to the tenant.

    Landlord Responsibilities for Washers and Dryers in Rhode Island

    Rhode Island landlords are not required to furnish their rental properties with a working washer and dryer. However, if they are provided, the landlord is responsible for fixing them if they stop working properly.

    Renter’s Rights for Repairs in Rhode Island

    Rhode Island renters have the right to repairs for issues affecting health and safety, unless they caused the issue themselves. The renter must give written notice to the landlord about the needed repairs. Outside of emergencies, the landlord gets 20 days after notice to perform repairs.

    If the issue isn’t fixed in a timely way, the renter could take any of the following actions:

    • End the rental agreement
    • Get a court order to force repairs
    • Self-help for cheap repairs (under $500) and deduct from rent

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