Rhode Island Sues 5 Landlords over Alleged Lead Hazards

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island has sued five more landlords who rent properties in which children with lead poisoning live, the state attorney general said Monday.

The three properties in Providence, one in Central Falls, and one in Newport all contain “significant lead hazards” and the landlords have failed to comply with state lead poisoning prevention laws, Attorney General Peter Neronha said in a statement.

The attorney general has filed 17 lawsuits since last fall against landlords who have failed to fully address alleged lead violations on their properties.

The lawsuits seek court orders to remediate lead hazards, provide tenants adequate alternative housing during remediation, and penalties of up to $5,000 per day.

“The allegations against the defendants here, and against those in other cases we have brought, are that a landlord was notified multiple times that there is a lead hazard on their property, that a child living there was lead poisoned, and that they did nothing about it,” Neronha said. “These circumstances are unacceptable, the health consequences are serious, and strong action by this office is warranted.”

Children with lead poisoning can suffer “life-long consequences … including learning disabilities, loss of IQ, and reduced attention span,” according to the state health department.

The Attorney General’s Office provided this summary of the lawsuits, four of which were filed in Providence County Superior Court and one filed in Newport County Superior Court.

Bull Street

As alleged in the complaint, Kathleen Decosta owns a three-unit multi-family home on Bull Street in Newport. Following the lead poisoning of a child living in one of the apartment units, a RIDOH inspection revealed lead hazards in multiple locations inside and outside of the building. The defendant has failed to remediate the hazards following two 30-day notices of violation issued by RIDOH.

Lincoln Avenue

As alleged in the complaint, Francisco Pires owns a multi-family home on Lincoln Avenue in Central Falls. Following the lead poisoning of a child living in one of the apartment units, a RIDOH inspection revealed lead hazards in multiple locations inside and outside of the building. The defendant has failed to remediate the hazards following two 30-day notices of violation issued by RIDOH.

Chalkstone Avenue

As alleged in the complaint, Fatima C. Araujo owns a two-unit multi-family home on Chalkstone Avenue in Providence. Following the lead poisoning of children living in one of the apartment units, a RIDOH inspection revealed lead hazards in multiple locations inside and outside of the building. The defendant has failed to remediate the hazards following two 30-day notices of violation issued by RIDOH.

Curtis Street

As alleged in the complaint, Hoa Thi Trinh owns a three-unit multi-family home on Curtis Street in Providence. Following the lead poisoning of a child living in one of the apartment units, a RIDOH inspection revealed lead hazards in multiple locations inside and outside of the building. The defendant has failed to remediate the hazards following two 30-day notices of violation issued by RIDOH.

Rosedale Street

As alleged in the complaint, Dionicia Gonzalez owns a two-unit multi-family home on Rosedale Street in Providence. Following the lead poisoning of a child living in one of the apartment units, a RIDOH inspection revealed lead hazards in multiple locations inside and outside of the building. The defendant has failed to remediate the hazards following two 30-day notices of violation issued by RIDOH.