CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) — The Rhode Island Department of Health has launched a new lead registry and is requiring landlords statewide to sign up before Oct. 1.

The registry went live just before Labor Day weekend as part of a 2023 law that will soon allow renters to see which landlords have their lead certificates.

Matthew Stevens and his fiancé rent a home in Cranston. He said this new registry will allow him to protect the health and safety of his two young children.

“That kind of gives us peace of mind at night especially because Gabe likes to put things in his mouth,” said Stevens.

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State law requires all landlords to sign up online, even if the apartment was built after 1978.

Shannon Weinstein, a landlord who works with RentProv Realty, expressed concern over the requirement. She worries landlords won’t have enough time to sign up before the deadline, especially when the law now requires lead certificates for owner-occupied buildings.

“Just owner-occupied units means almost 100,000 units are being added to this, with 36 lead inspectors in the state,” Weinstein said. “That tells us that we would have to get almost seven certificates issued every day for 365 days a year from these inspectors. We’re almost set up for failure.”

The Health Department warned that landlords who don’t sign up may face a minimum fine of $50 per month and could be barred from evicting tenants.

Target 12 asked Deputy Director Seema Dixit when the fines would take effect.

“Our plan is to not immediately start issuing penalties after Oct. 1, but give them time to ask us questions, to schedule the appointments with lead inspectors,” she said.

Dixit said appointments are available for landlords in October.

Right now, the form is only available in English. Dixit said the state plans to offer the registry in other languages in the coming months. However, if a landlord wants an interpreter’s assistance filling out the form, Dixit said they can contact the Health Department.

R.I. Attorney General Peter Neronha has already taken legal action against landlords he claims violated lead safety laws.

He said this registry is about preventing children from being exposed to lead, and ensuring that landlords are held accountable.

“What I would say to landlords is you’ve known about this obligation for a long time,” Neronha said. “This is really important to the development and health of children.”

Stevens said he expects to continue renting for the foreseeable future. He’s glad a tool will be available to ensure each home his family lives in will be lead free.

“It’s really, really important to us that, no matter where we live physically, that they see good memories and good times,” he said. “The last thing I’d want is some sort of a health scare.”

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