R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 23-24.6 § 23-24.6-13
State inspectors
Operative Text
(a) The director, or his or her designee, or any state inspector is authorized to inspect during business hours, or by appointment at another time agreed to by the inspector and the owner, occupant, or other person in charge of a dwelling, dwelling unit, or premises: (1) Any dwelling, dwelling unit, or premises for the purpose of conducting a comprehensive environmental lead inspection, or other inspection, as part of the treatment and follow up for a child identified as being lead poisoned; (2) Any structure or premises that is used as a preschool, day care facility, nursery school, public or private elementary school or schoolyard, public playground, or foster home or shelter serving children under the age of six (6) years for the purpose of conducting a comprehensive environmental lead inspection, or other inspection; (3) Any dwelling, dwelling unit, or premises for the purpose of conducting a comprehensive environmental lead inspection, or other inspection, in response to any complaint to the department by an occupant or the parent or guardian of any minor who is an occupant renting or leasing the dwelling, dwelling unit, or premises of the existence of a lead exposure hazard for a child under the age of six (6) years residing in that dwelling, dwelling unit, or premises; or (4) Any dwelling, dwelling unit, structure, or premises identified in subsection (a)(1), (2), or (3) of this section which is undergoing a lead hazard reduction or a regulated renovation or rehabilitation at a reasonable time, without prior notice, as part of an enforcement inspection. (b) The owner, occupant, or other person in charge of a dwelling, dwelling unit, or premises shall, upon presentation of proper identification by the state inspector, for the limited purpose of inspection for lead, grant the inspector entry and free access to every part of the dwelling, dwelling unit, or premises where lead may pose a hazard to the health and safety of children under the age of six (6) years. If any owner, occupant, or other person in charge of a dwelling, dwelling unit, or premises fails or refuses to permit this access and entry to the structure or premises under his or her control or any part of it, the state inspector may, upon a showing that probable cause exists for the inspection and for the issuance of a court order directing compliance with the inspection requirements of this section, petition and obtain an order from a court of competent jurisdiction. Any person refusing to comply with an order issued pursuant to this section shall be subject to any penalties as may be authorized by law for violation of a court order.
Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-24.6-13, state inspectors are authorized to enter and examine dwellings, dwelling units, and certain child-serving facilities during business hours—or at another agreed time—to conduct lead inspections. These inspections may be triggered by a child's lead poisoning diagnosis, a complaint about a lead hazard, or as part of overseeing an ongoing lead hazard reduction or renovation project. When access is denied, inspectors may seek a court order compelling entry, and anyone who defies such a court order may face legally authorized penalties.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Section 23-24.6-13 establishes that property owners are generally expected to grant state inspectors entry and free access to all areas of a dwelling where lead may pose a hazard to children under six, upon presentation of proper identification. Compliant operators typically cooperate with scheduled inspections during business hours or arrange a mutually agreed alternative time, and they ensure that all parts of the property are accessible for the limited purpose of lead inspection. Refusing access can result in a court-ordered inspection, and non-compliance with such a court order may expose an owner to additional legal penalties.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 23-24.6-13, tenants or parents and guardians of minor occupants have the right to file a complaint with the state department if they believe a lead exposure hazard exists for a child under six living in their dwelling, which can trigger an official lead inspection. This provision also means that a landlord's refusal to allow an inspector access does not prevent the inspection from occurring, as the state may obtain a court order to compel entry. Tenants who want to understand their options in connection with a lead hazard complaint may consider reaching out to a tenant-rights organization or consulting the Rhode Island Department of Health for guidance on how § 23-24.6-13 applies to their circumstances.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 15, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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