Bill > H5906

This bill amends Rhode Island's lead hazard mitigation laws by replacing references to the "housing resources commission" with the "department of health" throughout several sections of the law. The bill makes it easier for property owners to access escrow funds by allowing court release of escrowed rent money when the funds are necessary to make repairs or improvements needed to bring a property into compliance with lead hazard laws. The legislation primarily focuses on pre-1978 rental dwellings and establishes requirements for property owners to identify and mitigate lead hazards, including mandatory lead hazard awareness training, property evaluations, and timely correction of identified hazards. The bill also provides a mechanism for tenants to deposit rent into court escrow accounts if a property does not meet lead hazard reduction standards, and it includes protections against retaliatory actions by landlords. Additionally, the bill requires the department of health to report annually to the legislature on the number of lead-poisoned children in exempt dwelling units. The changes aim to improve lead hazard management and provide more flexible remediation options for both property owners and tenants, with the ultimate goal of protecting residents, particularly children, from lead exposure in older rental properties.

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