Tuesday October 06, 2026
What are Rhode Island condo laws?
Rhode Island condo laws set the rules for creating, governing, and operating condominium communities across the state. Condominiums created after July 1, 1982, are primarily governed by the Rhode Island Condominium Act. Older communities generally follow earlier Rhode Island HOA laws, although some parts of the newer Act still apply.Recent changes
There have been a few recent changes to Rhode Island condo laws:- Electronic meetings and notices: Changes effective June 24, 2025, allow associations to hold board and owner meetings fully or partly electronically. Electronic meeting notices may also be allowed when statutory requirements are met (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-36.1-3.08).
- Insurance deductibles: Since June 24, 2025, if damage to a unit is covered by the association’s master policy but falls within the deductible, the unit owner’s insurance is generally responsible for that amount, if that coverage is reasonably available (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-36.1-3.13(d), (k)).
Upcoming changes
In 2026, Rhode Island created a special legislative commission to study condominium governance, affordability, owner participation, and other issues. Its findings and recommendations are due to the General Assembly by December 31, 2027.Because that commission may recommend future changes, boards should continue watching Rhode Island condo laws as 2027 progresses.
Condo meeting and notice requirements
Under Rhode Island condo laws, associations generally must hold at least one owner meeting each year. Meeting notices must usually be sent 10 to 60 days in advance and include the time, place, and agenda. Electronic meetings may be allowed if participants can communicate at the same time (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-36.1-3.08).Unless the bylaws say otherwise, the default quorum is 20% of owner voting power. The default board quorum is 50%, unless the bylaws specify a larger percentage (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-36.1-3.09).
Records inspection for Rhode Island condo owners
Unit owners generally have the right to review certain association records, such as financial statements, budgets, meeting records, and association contracts. Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-36.1-3.18, the association must make those records reasonably available within 30 days of a request from an owner or authorized agent.Rhode Island condo budget and assessment laws
Condo boards generally have the authority to adopt budgets and collect fees for common expenses (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-36.1-3.02). Assessments typically must be made at least annually based on a budget adopted at least annually (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-36.1-3.15).After adopting a proposed budget, the board must provide owners with a summary within 30 days and schedule an owner meeting to consider ratification between 14 and 30 days after the summary is mailed. Unless the required number of owners rejects the budget, it is ratified (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-36.1-3.03(c)).
Condo fines in Rhode Island
Rhode Island condo laws allow boards to use reasonable fines to enforce the declaration, bylaws, and association rules, but owners must receive notice and an opportunity for a hearing before a fine is imposed.For residential condominiums:
- Daily fines are capped at $100 per day.
- Other fines are capped at $500.
Rhode Island condo resale certificate requirements
When an owner sells a condo, the association generally must provide the required resale certificate information within 10 days of a unit owner’s request. The certificate typically includes information about current assessments, anticipated capital expenses, reserves, the association’s budget, insurance, and other items affecting the unit. The association may charge up to $125. Missing the deadline can result in a $100 to $500 civil penalty per occurrence (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-36.1-4.09).Compliance tips
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Know which condominium law applies
Start by confirming when your condominium was created. Communities created after July 1, 1982, generally fall under the Rhode Island Condominium Act, while older condominiums may have a different legal framework. Some provisions of the newer Act also apply to older condominiums. Knowing where your association fits can make it easier to identify the right requirements before the board takes action.
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Build meeting requirements into your process
Make notice and meeting requirements part of the board’s regular preparation rather than something to check at the last minute. Rhode Island condo laws generally require meeting notice 10 to 60 days in advance, and electronic meetings have specific participation requirements. A clear process can help the board prepare notices correctly and give owners the information they need to participate.
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Keep association records organized
Good recordkeeping makes day-to-day governance easier and helps the board respond quickly when owners request association information. Rhode Island requires financial and other association records to be reasonably available for examination within 30 days of an owner’s request. Keeping records current and easy to locate can make that process simpler for the board, property management team, and homeowners.
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Review changes with the right support
Condominium laws continue to evolve. Review new requirements alongside the association’s declaration and bylaws, and work with your property management team to build applicable changes into everyday operations.
How FirstService Residential can help
As North America’s leading property management company, FirstService Residential helps Rhode Island condominium boards stay organized as Rhode Island condo laws and community needs evolve.Our local experts can help prepare meetings, maintain association records, manage budgets and assessments, support homeowner communication, coordinate insurance and vendor needs, and keep important deadlines on track. We can also help boards coordinate with qualified association counsel when legal guidance is needed.
Contact a member of our team today to learn more.
This information is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be relied upon as, legal, regulatory, financial, or operational advice, or as a representation or guarantee of any specific services, capabilities, or outcomes. Property management needs, regulatory requirements, market conditions, and available services vary by jurisdiction, property type, and community. FirstService Residential provides services through locally based affiliates and associates, and services and results may vary by community, region, contractual terms, and applicable law.