EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — As of October, all Rhode Island landlords are required to register their properties with the state. "The goal of this project is that the rental places should be safe places for Rhode Islanders to live," said Seema Dixit, deputy director of the Rhode Island Department of Health. The use of lead paint, which is a health hazard for children, was banned in the United States in 1978. However, that paint is still present in pre-1978 homes all across the state. That's why a lead conformance certificate will be required to register any property built before 1978. "This has been a requirement in place since 2005," Dixit said. "So since 2005, [those] landlords should be aware that they need to have a lead conformance certificate for their rental property." 12 RESPONDS: Lead inspections backlogged in RI as landlords rush to register properties There are currently only 29 licensed and active lead inspectors in the state. To help alleviate the backlog of lead inspections, Dixit said the state has decided to allow lead inspectors from neighboring states to come to Rhode Island for training. "After that training is done, we are expecting about 21 more inspectors from our neighboring states to be available to take appointments and do lead inspections as early as next week," she said. Landlords who don't register their properties with the state could face fines and penalties, but Dixit hopes it won't come to that. "We will continue our work of education, communication and support to the landlords," she said. "We are hoping to reach a point where we may not need to issue penalties or issue compliance orders." The law establishing the rental registry states that landlords will not be allowed to evict their tenants for non-payment of rent if they are not registered. "As far as eviction goes, the R.I. Department of Health does not handle that," Dixit said. "That goes through the Attorney General's office and the court system." Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Special Coverage & Notices SIGN UP NOW