Lead and Real Estate Sales Disclosure
Rhode Island's older housing stock makes disclosure, especially lead-hazard disclosure, a heavily emphasized area. This chapter covers the sales disclosure form, lead requirements, and timing.
Real Estate Sales Disclosure
Rhode Island's Real Estate Sales Disclosure law (R.I.G.L. 5-20.8) generally requires the seller of residential property to provide a disclosure form describing the property's known condition. Licensees must not help conceal known defects. This state obligation is separate from federal lead-based-paint disclosure.
Lead-Hazard Disclosure
Rhode Island has strong state lead-hazard rules (216-RICR-50-15-3 and related law) that apply in addition to the federal lead-based-paint disclosure for pre-1978 housing. Given the state's older housing, lead disclosure and mitigation are emphasized, and a broker should ensure the required disclosures are provided.
Timing of Disclosure
The seller's disclosure of the property's known condition is intended to reach the buyer before the purchase agreement is signed, so the buyer can factor known conditions into the decision. Delivering it after closing would defeat its purpose, and licensees should confirm timely delivery.