Rhode Island Home inspectors Association

07/10/2026

https://legiscan.com/RI/bill/S2424/2026 RI real estate sales will now mandate the seller to test for, and correct elevated levels of Radon in residential homes. The bill was signed by the governor on 06-18-2026 and takes effect as of 06-2027. Starting June of 27, if you have a listing for a home, the sellers are now required to test for radon and correct elevated radon. The test must have been done within 1 year of the sale. Banks are exempt. And properties that will be demolished are exempt.

Summary (2026-06-18) Provides protocols for radon inspection relative to real estate transactions and provides time frames and conditions for testing and mitigation. [Signed by Governor]

01/15/2026

Regarding electrical inspections, it is required by law that only Licensed master electricians can remove the dead front cover on electric panels for inspections in RI. Anyone else who does so it breaking the law. Due to the new law You cannot open the panel cover as a Home inspector, a home owner, as a realtor. With regards to electricians, you cannot open the panel as an electrician's apprentice or as an electrician journeyman UNLESS the licensed master electrician is standing there supervising. There have been a few situations where a home inspector brought an Apprentice or Journeyman to the home inspection and NOT a licensed master electrician. This is not allowed and can result in fines to any person who does so.

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09/09/2025

For immediate release.

07/23/2025

https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/over-5m-swimming-pools-sold-major-retailers-recalled-after-reports-9-deaths?%3Fintcmp=fb_fbn&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwY2xjawLuIERleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHuZB8YqxbJoBCqk7Js6OLStbrMvN5OVqHGy41D5rAu2w3sUIfjBCam_dFeEo_aem_AyjH9GZlp8goR6Jhr7SOtw

More than 5 million above-ground swimming pools that were sold from as far back as 2002 at retailers like Walmart, Target and Amazon are being recalled due to drowning hazards.

02/21/2025

https://forum.nachi.org/t/rhode-island-electricians-board-of-examiners-partially-reverses-itself-regarding-home-inspections/252891

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02/20/2025

For immediate release: The RI electrical board of examiners met yesterday and after much debate came to the decision that Home inspectors are now permitted to Use plug in receptacle testers and non-contact voltage testers during home inspections. The Home inspector still may NOT remove the cover to the electrical panel, nor dismantle any other electrical component. The Home inspector may NOT use voltage meters, or test wiring where they are contacting live exposed conductors. I have a copy of the letter to Director of DLT Matt Weldon from IBEW rep and Chair of the electrical board Joe Walsh if anyone should require a copy for their records. This is likely to a barrage of calls and emails from inspectors, clients, realtors and legislators. DO NOT STOP NOW. Keep pressuring them.

01/27/2025

As Jan 30th nears, the new Limitations barring home inspectors from conducting electrical inspections quickly approaches. I have been asked several questions about what is a home buyer to do, and what should they expect. 1- They will need to find and hire an electrician because as of Jan 30th, the home inspector wont be allowed to do electrical inspection except what they can see with their eyes. 2- There is no standard that the electrician has to follow, so ask lots of questions and make sure they are thorough. They like when you do that. 3- require a written report with photos of the defects, because there is no assurance that the electrician who did the inspection will be the same one doing the repairs. 4- Expect to pay between $450 and $800 extra for the electrical inspection. 5-Lastly and most importantly, be sure to let your legislator know how hard it was, and how costly it was to get this step done, because they voted this into law. Let them know how much you appreciate the extra work and expense in an already costly and challenging housing market.