Rhode Island HOA & Condominium Law

6 active Rhode Island statutes govern homeowners associations and condominiums in the state. The corpus encodes 29 specific requirements across governance, finance, reserves, disclosure, and enforcement.

12 registered communities across 6 cities.

Estoppel Disclosure Workflow 13 standard items

CommunityPay has not verified a state-specific statutory resale certificate regime in Rhode Island. Disclosure follows a non-statutory estoppel workflow. The 13 items below reflect standard title company and lender expectations, not legal requirements specific to any particular association.

Current periodic assessment amount and any unpaid or delinquent assessments
Pending or approved special assessments
Reserve fund balance and designated projects
Most recent balance sheet and income/expense statement
Current operating budget
Insurance coverage provided for the benefit of owners
Pending lawsuits, unsatisfied judgments, or threatened litigation
Board composition, meeting frequency, and governance status
Declaration, bylaws, and rules and regulations
Capital expenditures approved or anticipated for current and next two fiscal years
Transfer fees, move-in/move-out fees, or other charges upon sale
Known violations of the governing documents or applicable codes
Right of first refusal or other restraints on transfer

Industry incumbents (HomeWiseDocs, CondoCerts) charge residents $250–$400 per resale certificate. Under R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-4.09, Rhode Island caps the preparation fee at $125 by statute. With CommunityPay, the board issues the certificate directly from live ledger data — the board controls pricing within the statutory cap. Residents typically save $200+ per closing.

What Rhode Island Law Requires

Governance (14)

Still in force, though certain sections of the newer Chapter 34-36.1 apply retroactively to pre-1982 condominiums for post-1982 events. R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36-1
The original Rhode Island condominium statute (39 sections), governing condominiums created before July 1, 1982 where construction had commenced. R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36-1
Establishes the applicability of the Rhode Island Condominium Act to all condominiums created after July 1, 1982. R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-1.02
Certain enumerated sections (including lien, foreclosure, resale, and meetings) apply retroactively to pre-1982 condominiums for post-1982 events. R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-1.02
Pre-1982 condominiums may voluntarily adopt the chapter. R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-1.02
Declarant control ends at the earliest of: 80 percent conveyance, 2 years after sales cessation, or 2 years after development rights end. R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-3.03
Budget ratification requires a summary to all owners within 30 days and a meeting 14-30 days after mailing — budget passes unless a majority of all unit owners rejects it. R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-3.03
Declarant-appointed members owe a fiduciary standard of care; elected members owe ordinary and reasonable care. R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-3.03
Establishes board powers and fiduciary duties. R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-3.03
Electronic meetings and voting are permitted. R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-3.08
Not fewer than 10 nor more than 60 days in advance R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-3.08
Requires at least one unit owner meeting per year. R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-3.08
Notice must be given 10 to 60 days in advance. R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-3.08
Special meetings may be called by the president, board majority, or unit owners holding at least 20 percent of votes. R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-3.08

Financial (3)

Attorney fee cap of $2,500; foreclosure cost cap of $5,000; aggregate cap of $7,500. R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-3.16
$125 for each certificate R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-4.09
Fee capped at $125 for electronic or physical copy. R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-4.09

Assessment (4)

Creates an assessment lien with 6-month super-priority over first mortgages. R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-3.16
Sell the unit of any defaulting unit owner at public auction R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-3.16
Six years after the full amount of the assessments becomes due R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-3.16
Common expense assessments which would have become due in the absence of acceleration during the six months immediately preceding the foreclosure R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-3.16

Disclosure (7)

Pre-1982 condos must disclose they are not covered by the 1982 Act. R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36-1
When any assessment has been delinquent for 60 days, the association must notify the first mortgage holder via certified mail. R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-3.16
Contains 12 required disclosure items. R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-4.09
Voidable by the purchaser until the certificate has been provided and for five days thereafter R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-4.09
Requires delivery of a resale certificate within 10 days of a unit owner's request. R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-4.09
Within 10 days after a request by a unit owner R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-4.09
Contract is voidable by the purchaser for 5 days after receipt or until conveyance. R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-4.09

Enforcement (1)

Six-year statute of limitations on lien enforcement. R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-3.16

Sourced from CommunityPay's living legal corpus. Each requirement traces to a primary statute snapshot verified by a subject-matter expert.

Topic Coverage

Enforcement and Fines 2 Foreclosure and Liens 2 Governance Documents 2 Assessment Collection 1 Developer Transition 1 Elections and Voting 1 Fiduciary Duty 1 Meetings and Notice 1 Resale Disclosure 1

Each chip links to the Rhode Island statutes addressing that topic. Counts reflect distinct statute assignments.

Applicable Statutes

R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36-1

Rhode Island Condominium Ownership Act (Pre-1982)

The original Rhode Island condominium statute (39 sections), governing condominiums created before July 1, 1982 where construction had commenced. Still in force, though certain sections of the newer Chapter 34-36.1 apply retroactively to pre-1982 condominiums for post-1982 events. Pre-1982 condos must disclose they are not covered by the 1982 Act.

R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-1.02

Rhode Island Condominium Act — Applicability

Establishes the applicability of the Rhode Island Condominium Act to all condominiums created after July 1, 1982. Pre-1982 condominiums may voluntarily adopt the chapter. Certain enumerated sections (including lien, foreclosure, resale, and meetings) apply retroactively to pre-1982 condominiums for post-1982 events.

R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-3.03

Rhode Island Condominium Act — Executive Board Members and Officers

Establishes board powers and fiduciary duties. Declarant-appointed members owe a fiduciary standard of care; elected members owe ordinary and reasonable care. Budget ratification requires a summary to all owners within 30 days and a meeting 14-30 days after mailing — budget passes unless a majority of all unit owners rejects it. Declarant control ends at the earliest of: 80 percent conveyance, 2 years after sales cessation, or 2 years after development rights end.

R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-3.08

Rhode Island Condominium Act — Meetings

Requires at least one unit owner meeting per year. Notice must be given 10 to 60 days in advance. Special meetings may be called by the president, board majority, or unit owners holding at least 20 percent of votes. Electronic meetings and voting are permitted.

R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-3.16

Rhode Island Condominium Act — Lien for Assessments

Creates an assessment lien with 6-month super-priority over first mortgages. Attorney fee cap of $2,500; foreclosure cost cap of $5,000; aggregate cap of $7,500. When any assessment has been delinquent for 60 days, the association must notify the first mortgage holder via certified mail. Six-year statute of limitations on lien enforcement.

R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-4.09

Rhode Island Condominium Act — Resale of Units

Requires delivery of a resale certificate within 10 days of a unit owner's request. Contains 12 required disclosure items. Fee capped at $125 for electronic or physical copy. Contract is voidable by the purchaser for 5 days after receipt or until conveyance. Civil penalty of $100 to $500 per occurrence for non-delivery.

Source: Rhode Island state legislature. Statutes verified by CommunityPay. Last verified April 2026.

Pending & Recent Rhode Island HOA Legislation

S2900 Introduced

Restricts increases in monthly common expenses and limit special assessments to cover unforeseen costs not included in the condo association’s approved annual budget for common expenses where the minority of the units are deed-restricted units.

PROPERTY -- CONDOMINIUM LAW - Restricts increases in monthly common expenses and limit special assessments to cover unforeseen costs not included in the condo association’s approved annual budget for common expenses where the minority of …

Last action: Apr 2, 2026

H7855 Introduced

Defines a special assessment as an assessment that is not a part of the condominium association budget and would apply to condominiums created before July 1, 1982, but only apply with respect to events and circumstances occurring after that date.

PROPERTY -- CONDOMINIUM LAW - Defines a special assessment as an assessment that is not a part of the condominium association budget and would apply to condominiums created before July 1, 1982, but only apply …

Last action: Mar 26, 2026

H7853 Introduced

Last action: Mar 26, 2026

H8008 Passed One Chamber

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY CURRENT CONDOMINIUM LAW AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND ONGOING AFFORDABILITY OF CONDOMINIUMS IN RHODE ISLAND (Creates a 16-member commission to study current condominium law and provide recommendations for improvements, and who would report back to the General Assembly by December 31, 2027, and would expire on March 15, 2028.)

Joint Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Study Current Condominium Law And Provide Recommendations For Improvements To Transparency, Accountability And Ongoing Affordability Of Condominiums In Rhode Island (creates A 16-member Commission To Study Current …

Last action: May 1, 2026

S2896 Introduced

Clarifies how condominium insurance deductibles and unpaid losses are divided between associations and unit owners, require owners to insure units if associations do not, and allow boards to manage and use insurance proceeds for repairs.

PROPERTY -- CONDOMINIUM OWNERSHIP - Clarifies how condominium insurance deductibles and unpaid losses are divided between associations and unit owners, require owners to insure units if associations do not, and allow boards to manage and …

Last action: Apr 2, 2026

S2692 Introduced

Requires condominium associations to conduct structural surveys and reserve studies, fund reserves at 15%, and plan for repairs.

PROPERTY -- CONDOMINIUM LAW - Requires condominium associations to conduct structural surveys and reserve studies, fund reserves at 15%, and plan for repairs.

Last action: Apr 2, 2026

H7851 Introduced

Requires condominium associations to conduct structural surveys and reserve studies, fund reserves at 15%, and plan for repairs.

PROPERTY -- CONDOMINIUM LAW - Requires condominium associations to conduct structural surveys and reserve studies, fund reserves at 15%, and plan for repairs.

Last action: Mar 26, 2026

H7852 Introduced

Last action: Mar 26, 2026

H7609 Introduced

Causes the enactment of the amendment of § 34-36.1-3.22 to be applicable to condominiums created before July 1, 1982.

PROPERTY -- CONDOMINIUM LAW - Causes the enactment of the amendment of § 34-36.1-3.22 to be applicable to condominiums created before July 1, 1982.

Last action: Mar 26, 2026

S2685 Introduced

Provides coverage and increases individual and group insurance rates of reimbursement for ambulance services.

Last action: Apr 16, 2026

11 HOA-relevant bills tracked for Rhode Island · refreshed May 2, 2026 · Source: LegiScan

Frequently Asked Questions — Rhode Island HOA Law

How much can a Rhode Island HOA charge for a resale certificate?

Under R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-4.09, a Rhode Island homeowners association may charge no more than $125 for preparing a resale certificate (the disclosure packet required when a unit is sold). Charges in excess of the statutory cap are not collectible from the seller or buyer.

Source: R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-4.09

How long does a Rhode Island HOA have to deliver a resale certificate?

Under R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-4.09, a Rhode Island association must deliver the resale certificate within 10 calendar days of a written request from the unit owner, prospective purchaser, or their representative. Missing the deadline carries statutory consequences — including, in many states, release of the buyer from any unpaid amounts the seller owed at the time of the request.

Source: R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-4.09

How much advance notice must a Rhode Island HOA give for meetings?

Under R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-3.08, a Rhode Island association must give unit owners at least 10 days advance notice of meetings. The notice must specify the date, time, place, and agenda items to be considered. Actions taken at a meeting that violates the notice requirement may be voidable on owner challenge.

Source: R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-3.08

Does a Rhode Island HOA assessment lien have priority over a first mortgage?

Yes — Rhode Island is a 'super-priority' state. Under R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-3.16, the association's lien for 6 months of unpaid assessments takes priority over a first-recorded mortgage. When the HOA forecloses, the first mortgage lender must either pay the 6 months of super-priority assessments or risk losing its lien — a significant collection tool for the association.

Source: R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1-3.16

Answers derived from the Rhode Island legal corpus. Every numeric value (fee caps, deadlines, percentages) is pulled from a primary-source statutory threshold record verified by CommunityPay.

Rhode Island HOA Fee Benchmark

$385

Avg Median Monthly Fee

$299 – $478

County Range

20863

Units Paying HOA Fees

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2023 5-Year Estimates (PUMS). 5 counties with data.

Communities by City

Providence 5 Newport 2 Warwick 2 Bristol 1 Cranston 1 Portsmouth 1

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Download the Rhode Island HOA & Condo Compliance Checklist

One PDF — every active Rhode Island statute we track, statutory fee caps and time limits, recent legal changes from the last 12 months, and the resale-certificate disclosure profile. Built from CommunityPay's living legal corpus, the same data that drives our resale certificates, reserve reports, and CARI scoring.

Statutory fee caps and time limits (resale, late fees, lien priority)
Recent law changes with effective dates
Resale & estoppel disclosure profile, item by item

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Data sourced from Rhode Island Secretary of State public registrations. Legal corpus maintained by CommunityPay's editorial team and traced to primary statute snapshots.

United States Payments and Accounting Governance Infrastructure for Community Associations