When renting a home or apartment, it’s important to understand what you are responsible for and what your landlord has to worry about. Under Rhode Island state law, a landlord is required to maintain the premises. Here are 6 safety concerns regarding the premises that landlords are responsible for in Rhode Island.
- Obey Requirements of Applicable Building and Housing Codes Related to Health and Safety
The landlord is required to obey the requirements of applicable building and housing codes that impact health and safety. If the applicable building and housing codes that affect health and safety are in conflict with any of the following safety five concerns, the aforementioned building and housing codes will govern;
- Make Necessary Repairs for Inhabitability
The landlord is responsible for making any repairs that are necessary in order for the rented property to remain inhabitable.
- Ensure Clean and Safe Common Areas
The landlord is responsible for ensuring that all common areas are maintained in a clean and safe condition.
- Maintain Safety of Utilities, Facilities, and Appliances
The landlord must make sure that the following are in goof and safe working order and condition:
- Plumbing
- Sanitary
- Electric
- Air Conditioning
- Ventilation
- Other Appliances supplied (or that are to be supplied by the landlord)
- Provide Appropriate Waste Removal Per Applicable Statute or Local Code
It is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure that tenants have appropriate receptacles to remove waste or garbage as required by applicable statute or local code if it is more restrictive. The landlord is also responsible for removal of the waste.
- Supply Running Water and Reasonable Amounts of Hot Water and Heat
Landlords are required to supply running water as well as reasonable amounts of hot water as stated in the state statute or per applicable codes should they be more restrictive. As for heat, landlords must supply reasonable heat under state statute or applicable local code if more restrictive from October 1 through May 1. This is with the exception of dwellings that are specifically not required by law and those units constructed in a manner in which the tenant has exclusive control over heat and hot water through a direct public utility connection.
When a landlord fails to uphold any of the above safety concerns as required, the landlord may be held liable.
PALUMBO LAW Helps Those in Rhode Island Whose Landlord Has Failed to Uphold His or Her Legal Requirements
When you are dealing with a landlord who fails to uphold what he or she is required to do, you may feel as though you have no remedy. However, a knowledgeable and experienced real estate attorney can help.
At PALUMBO LAW, our experienced Rhode Island real estate lawyers work strategically to help our clients to get what they deserve. We have deep experience working with landlords and understand how to deal with them. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, call us today!
