The Minimum Housing Inspector is responsible for the enforcement of minimum standards governing the condition and maintenance of properties. Public health, safety, and welfare are paramount. The scope is to ensure that maintenance and safe and sanitary conditions are maintained. Our goal is to alleviate urban blight, decay, and substandard housing stock.
Resident Agent registration for out-of-state landlords
The owner of any dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming unit or structure who is a nonresident of the state of Rhode Island shall have and continuously maintain with the city or town clerk where the property is located a registered agent, which agent may be either an individual who resides in this state or corporation authorized to do business in this state.
You must register both with the state AND with the Town if you own rental property in West Warwick and live outside Rhode Island. There is no fee to register but if you fail to do so you may be fined up to $1200.
- To register with the State of RI please visit the Secretary of State's website.
- To register with the Town of West Warwick, please visit our OpenGov site, login or create an account, and complete the form, or call the Town Clerk's office 401-827-9039.
Mold Many residents complain about mold in their homes. No recognized federal, state, or local health agency has created a standard for acceptable and unacceptable levels of mold inside a building. Consistent mold growth can be indicative of moisture issues resulting from plumbing or other leaks in the home. Inspectors address any active sources of moisture (roof and plumbing leaks, bathroom and laundry humidity, and venting problems), but can only address the presence of mold as a general sanitation issue. It is up to residents to clean up existing mold colonies or negotiate with property owners over their removal. The RI Department of Health provides education on mold and supplies this informational pamphlet. Testing for the presence of mold is not recommended by the Health Department.