Rhode Island General Laws
Chapter 45-24.3 - Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Code
Section 45-24.3-2. - Legislative findings.

§ 45-24.3-2. Legislative findings.
(a) It is found that there exists, and may in the future exist within the state of Rhode Island, premises, dwellings, dwelling units, rooming units, structures, or parts thereof, which by reason of their structure, equipment, sanitation, maintenance, use, or occupancy, affect or are likely to adversely affect the public health, including the physical, mental, and social well-being of persons and families, safety, and general welfare. To correct and prevent the existence of these adverse conditions, and to achieve and maintain levels of residential environmental quality as will protect and promote health, safety, and general welfare, it is further found that the establishment of minimum housing standards for the state of Rhode Island is required.
(b) It is further found that conditions existing on blighted premises are dangerous to the public health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the people, and that conditions existing on blighted premises necessitate excessive and disproportionate expenditure of public funds for public health and safety, crime prevention, fire protection, and other public services, and that the conditions existing on blighted premises cause a drain upon public revenue, impairing the efficient and economical exercise of governmental functions in these areas.
(c) It is further found that the elimination of blighted premises, and the prevention of the recurrence of blighted premises, is in the best interest of the public, and that the accomplishment of this end will be fostered and encouraged by the enactment of this chapter. The enactment and enforcement of this chapter is thereby declared to be essential to the public interest. It is intended that the provisions of this chapter be liberally construed to effectuate its previously stated purposes.
History of Section.P.L. 1970, ch. 325, § 1.

Structure Rhode Island General Laws

Rhode Island General Laws

Title 45 - Towns and Cities

Chapter 45-24.3 - Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Code

Section 45-24.3-1. - Short title.

Section 45-24.3-2. - Legislative findings.

Section 45-24.3-3. - Purpose.

Section 45-24.3-4. - Applicability.

Section 45-24.3-5. - Definitions.

Section 45-24.3-6. - Responsibilities of owners and occupants.

Section 45-24.3-7. - Minimum standards for basic equipment and facilities.

Section 45-24.3-8. - Minimum standards for light and ventilation.

Section 45-24.3-9. - Minimum thermal standards for heating.

Section 45-24.3-9.1. - Repealed.

Section 45-24.3-9.2. - Unvented portable space heaters.

Section 45-24.3-10. - General requirements relating to the safe and sanitary construction and maintenance of parts of dwellings and dwelling units.

Section 45-24.3-11. - Minimum space, use, and location requirements.

Section 45-24.3-12. - Rooming house.

Section 45-24.3-13. - General requirements relating to the safe and sanitary maintenance of nonresidential structures and premises.

Section 45-24.3-14. - Adoption of plans of inspection.

Section 45-24.3-15. - Inspections — Powers and duties of the enforcing officer.

Section 45-24.3-16. - Rules and regulations — Enforcement agencies — Housing board of review.

Section 45-24.3-17. - Notice of violation.

Section 45-24.3-18. - Penalties — District court jurisdiction — Review by supreme court — Duties of prosecutor.

Section 45-24.3-19. - Repairs and other corrective action — Demolition — Revolving fund.

Section 45-24.3-19.1. - Avoiding residential demolition through owner neglect.

Section 45-24.3-20. - Collection and dissemination of information.

Section 45-24.3-21. - Application for reconsideration — Conferences — Hearings — Emergencies — Obligations of owner — Court proceedings — Fees.

Section 45-24.3-22. - Conflict of provisions — Severability.

Section 45-24.3-23. - Repealed.