R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 45-24.3 § 45-24.3-9.2
Unvented portable space heaters
Operative Text
(a) "Unvented portable space heater", as used in this section, means a non-flue connected, self-contained, self supporting, oil-fueled heating appliance equipped with an integral reservoir designed to be carried from one room to another. (b) "Oil", as used in this section, means any liquid fuel with a flash point of greater than one hundred degrees (100 °) fahrenheit, including, but not limited to, kerosene. (c) "Listed", as used in this section, means any unvented portable space heater evaluated with respect to reasonably foreseeable hazards to life and property by a nationally recognized testing or inspection agency, including, but not limited to, an organization such as underwriters laboratories, inc., and which has been listed as being reasonably safe for its specific purpose and shown in a list published by the agency and/or bears the mark, name, and/or symbol of the agency as indication that it has been so listed. (d) Listed unvented portable space heaters which comply with the requirements established in subsection (e) of this section may be offered for sale, sold, and used in any dwelling or dwelling unit. (e) Unvented portable space heaters must adhere to the following requirements: (1) Unvented portable space heaters must have labeling affixed to caution and inform concerning: (i) Provision of an adequate source of ventilation when the heater is in operation; (ii) Use of only suitable fuel for the heater; (iii) Proper manner of refueling; (iv) Proper placement and handling of the heater when in operation; (v) Proper procedures for lighting, flame regulation, and extinguishing the heater; and (vi) Prohibition on use of unvented portable space heaters in sleeping areas which particular label must be permanently affixed thereto; (2) Unvented portable space heaters must be packaged with instructions to inform consumers regarding proper maintenance and operation, including, as a minimum, information regarding the provisions stated in subsections (e)(1)(i) through (e)(1)(vi) of this section; (3) Unvented portable space heaters must be constructed with a low center of gravity and minimum tipping angle of thirty-three degrees (33 °) from the vertical with an empty reservoir; (4) Unvented portable space heaters must have an automatic safety shut off device or inherent design feature which eliminates fire hazards in the event of tipover and otherwise conform with the standards established in national fire protection association (NFPA) No. 31; (5) Unvented portable space heaters must not produce carbon monoxide at rates which create a hazard when operated as intended and instructed; and (6) A notice containing the following must be delivered with each unit sold: (i) Unvented portable space heaters that incorporate electric components shall be connected to grounded outlets; (ii) A portable fire extinguisher shall be required in close proximity to unvented portable space heaters; (iii) A smoke detector shall be required in the area where an unvented portable space heater is to be used.
Rhode Island General Laws § 45-24.3-9.2 establishes the conditions under which oil-fueled, non-flue-connected portable space heaters may be sold and used in residential dwellings. Only heaters that have been evaluated and listed as reasonably safe by a nationally recognized testing agency — and that meet a detailed set of construction, labeling, packaging, and safety-device requirements — are permitted for sale or use. The provision also prohibits the use of these heaters in sleeping areas and requires that each unit be sold with a notice specifying fire extinguisher, smoke detector, and grounding requirements.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers who allow or supply heating equipment in rental units covered by § 45-24.3-9.2 generally ensure that any unvented portable space heater present in a dwelling bears a recognized safety listing and carries all required labels, including the permanently affixed prohibition against use in sleeping areas. Compliant operators also confirm that each unit sold or provided is accompanied by the required consumer instructions and the statutory notice addressing grounded outlets, fire extinguisher proximity, and smoke detector placement. Keeping records of the equipment's listed status and the notices delivered with each unit is a practice consistent with the requirements of this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 45-24.3-9.2, tenants have a right to expect that any unvented portable space heater offered or present in their dwelling meets Rhode Island's safety standards, including proper labeling, a tip-over shut-off device, and a delivered notice about fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and grounding. If a heater in a rental unit lacks required safety labels or certifications, or if a landlord has placed such a heater in a sleeping area in violation of this section, tenants may have grounds to raise these conditions as a housing code concern. Tenant-rights organizations and local housing or fire code enforcement offices can be resources for understanding what options may be available under this provision.
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 Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation