R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 45-24.3 § 45-24.3-9
Minimum thermal standards for heating
Operative Text
No person shall occupy, as owner or occupant, or let to another for occupancy, any dwelling or dwelling unit, for the purposes of living, which does not comply with the following requirements: (1) Every dwelling must have heating facilities properly installed and maintained in safe and working condition, and capable of safely and adequately heating all habitable rooms, bathrooms, and water closet compartments in every dwelling unit located at a distance of eighteen inches (18") above the floor level under average winter conditions to a temperature of at least sixty-eight degrees (68 °) fahrenheit. (2) Unvented flame space heaters are prohibited in any dwelling or dwelling unit except as provided in § 45-24.3-9.2. No owner or occupant shall install, operate, or use a space heater employing a flame that is not vented outside the structure in an approved manner, except those unvented portable space heaters which conform to the provisions of § 45-24.3-9.2. Portable electric heaters, approved under the appropriate local or state electrical and/or fire prevention code, are acceptable where they meet the above provisions of this section.
Rhode Island General Laws § 45-24.3-9 establishes minimum thermal standards that apply to all dwellings and dwelling units in the state. Every dwelling must have heating equipment that is properly installed, safely maintained, and capable of raising the temperature in all habitable rooms, bathrooms, and water closet compartments to at least 68°F, measured 18 inches above the floor, under average winter conditions. Additionally, unvented flame space heaters are generally prohibited, with limited exceptions outlined in § 45-24.3-9.2, while portable electric heaters that comply with applicable local or state electrical and fire prevention codes may be used where they satisfy the section's requirements.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 45-24.3-9, property owners and managers are generally expected to ensure that every dwelling unit they offer for occupancy is equipped with heating facilities that are properly installed, safely maintained, and capable of reaching at least 68°F at 18 inches above floor level throughout all habitable rooms, bathrooms, and water closet compartments during average winter conditions. Compliant operators typically conduct regular inspections and maintenance of heating systems to confirm safe and adequate operation before and during the heating season. Owners should also be aware that installing or permitting the use of unvented flame space heaters is generally prohibited under this provision, except in the narrow circumstances described in § 45-24.3-9.2.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Rhode Island General Laws § 45-24.3-9 gives occupants a right to live in a dwelling that is heated to at least 68°F in all habitable rooms, bathrooms, and water closet compartments under average winter conditions, with heating equipment that is safely installed and maintained. Tenants who believe their dwelling does not meet these minimum thermal standards may consider documenting the conditions—such as recording temperatures and dates—and reporting the issue to their local housing or building code enforcement office. Tenant-rights organizations in Rhode Island can also provide general information about available remedies, including how a violation of § 45-24.3-9 may be relevant in housing court proceedings.
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.
Effective Timeline
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation