Title 42
State Affairs and Government

Chapter 128.1
Lead Hazard Mitigation

R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-128.1-10

§ 42-128.1-10. Right to housing where lead hazards are corrected.

(a) Pregnant women and families with children under six (6) years of age shall be deemed to have a right to housing in which lead hazards have been mitigated or abated.

(b) Injunctive Relief. Effective November 1, 2005, if the property owner of a rental dwelling fails to comply with such standards for lead hazard mitigation, or abatement, as applicable, a right of private action shall exist that allows households that include an at-risk occupant to seek injunctive relief from a court with jurisdiction against the property owner in the form of a court order to compel compliance with requirements for lead hazard control or mitigation. A person who prevails is entitled to an award of the costs of the litigation and reasonable attorneys’ fees in an amount to be fixed by the court. Cases brought before the court under this section shall be granted an accelerated hearing.

History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 187, § 3; P.L. 2002, ch. 188, § 3; P.L. 2004, ch. 221, § 2; P.L. 2004, ch. 223, § 2; P.L. 2005, ch. 142, § 2; P.L. 2005, ch. 143, § 2.