R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 45-24.3 § 45-24.3-3
Purpose
Operative Text
The purpose of this chapter is to protect the public health, safety, and welfare by establishing minimum standards governing the condition and maintenance of all dwellings and dwelling premises or structures; establishing minimum standards governing utilities and facilities and other physical things and conditions essential to make dwellings safe, sanitary, and fit for human habitation; fixing certain responsibilities and duties of owners, operators, and occupants of dwellings and dwelling premises and structures; fixing the conditions whereby certain dwellings or structures may be declared unfit for occupancy and condemned for human habitation; and fixing penalties for violations of this chapter.
Rhode Island General Laws ch. 45-24.3 § 45-24.3-3 establishes the overarching purpose of the state's housing maintenance and standards chapter. The provision sets out that the law exists to protect public health, safety, and welfare by creating baseline requirements for the physical condition of dwellings, their utilities, and related facilities. It also frames the chapter's authority to assign responsibilities to owners, operators, and occupants, to declare certain properties unfit for habitation, and to impose penalties when those standards are not met.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 45-24.3 § 45-24.3-3, the chapter places affirmative responsibilities on owners and operators to maintain dwellings in a condition that meets minimum health, safety, and habitability standards. Compliant operators generally keep utilities functional, address physical deficiencies promptly, and ensure that no dwelling under their control falls into a condition that could warrant a declaration of unfitness for occupancy. Awareness of this foundational purpose section helps property managers understand that the entire chapter is oriented toward enforcement, including penalties for violations.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 45-24.3 § 45-24.3-3 signals that tenants occupy dwellings protected by a comprehensive set of minimum standards covering physical conditions, utilities, and facilities necessary for safe and sanitary habitation. When a dwelling appears to fall below those standards, this chapter provides the legal framework under which a property can be declared unfit for occupancy and penalties can be assessed against responsible parties. Tenants who believe their housing conditions violate these standards may consider contacting their local housing or code enforcement office, or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization familiar with Rhode Island housing law, to learn about available complaint and enforcement pathways.
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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