Note: Even if you’re selling a home “as is” in Rhode Island, you’re still required to be truthful and transparent about what you know.

What’s included in the Rhode Island seller disclosure form?

Below is a section-by-section summary of what you’ll be asked to disclose when selling a home in Rhode Island. This list will be an overview of the things you can expect to see on your disclosure form, but your actual form may differ.

Major systems and components

Roof age/condition
Fireplaces and stoves
Heating system details and any defects
Underground storage tanks (status, testing, documentation)
Hot water system
Plumbing type and issues
Electrical system and wiring type
Solar equipment (owned or leased)
Air conditioning type
Insulation in walls, ceilings, and floors

Utilities

Sewer and water

Public or private sewer; septic/cesspool details and maintenance
Public or private water; well depth, testing, and water quality
Any filtration or treatment systems

Municipal information

Local requirements and property records

Property tax and fire district tax
Surveys, easements, encroachments, or restrictions
Deed type
Zoning classification, permits, historic district status
Building permits and any code violations
Floodplain status and any elevation certificates
Wetlands determination

Condo or multi-unit information

(If applicable)

Monthly condo fees and assessments
Rental info: leases, income, deposits
Number of legal units

Notices and disclosures

Environmental and safety items

Pool info and permits
Lead paint reports (for pre-1978 homes)

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Radon tests or mitigation
Known mold conditions
Homeowners insurance claims

Structure checklist

Basement, foundation, walls, floors, ceilings
Chimneys, doors, windows
Driveway, sidewalks, fences

Equipment and appliances

Items included in the sale (e.g., appliances, HVAC equipment, security systems, generator, sump pump)

Conditions

Issues such as asbestos, drainage, soil movement, settling, prior fire damage, flooding, wood rot, or pest activity
Any structural repairs or remaining service contracts

Other conditions and factors

This is an open-ended section where you can disclose anything not already covered that might affect the home’s value or a buyer’s decision, such as past insurance claims, neighbor disputes, or unusual property quirks.

Additional explanations

This is a freeform space to clarify any earlier answers or provide details that didn’t fit elsewhere. If you marked “yes” to something earlier in the form, this is your opportunity to explain it fully.

Download and print our Disclosure Litmus Test

Use this link to download a printable checklist (62KB) to prepare for completing the Rhode Island seller disclosure form. The questions on this Seller Disclosure Litmus Test reflect the types of details and issues you may need to reveal about your home — and what buyers expect to know.

Check off anything that applies to your Rhode Island property. If you’re unsure about something, make a note to ask your real estate agent or investigate further. The goal is to help you think through what needs to be documented and disclosed during the sale process.

What is not required to be disclosed? Rhode Island law does not require you to disclose if someone died in the home, disclose neighborhood rumors, supposed paranormal activity, or personal reasons for selling, unless you are directly asked and your answer could be misleading.

Common mistakes sellers make on the disclosure form

Here are some of the most common missteps sellers make when filling out the Rhode Island Real Estate Sales Disclosure Form:

Checking “yes” without providing an explanation: If you check a yes box that includes an “Explain” line, not providing the details could delay your home sale.
Guessing instead of explaining: If you’re not sure about something, don’t make assumptions — just state that you don’t know or elaborate.
Failing to attach supporting documents: Inspection reports, permits, repair invoices, and warranties help verify your disclosures.
Not disclosing repaired issues: Even if you’ve fixed a problem listed on the form, like a roof leak or plumbing issue, it still needs to be reported.
Minimizing or softening the truth: Downplaying a defect can open you up to legal risk if the buyer later discovers the issue was worse than described.

What if you fail to disclose something important?

If you fail to disclose a known material fact about your Rhode Island home, the buyer may have grounds to cancel the contract or sue you after the sale. In some cases, nondisclosure can be treated as fraud under Rhode Island law, especially if the omission appears intentional. Being upfront now helps prevent bigger headaches later.

When and how buyers review the disclosure

Under Rhode Island’s standard purchase contract, you’re expected to provide a completed Rhode Island Real Estate Sales Disclosure Form within a few days days of contract acceptance. The buyer then has a set review period, usually 10 to 14 days, to examine the form and decide whether to move forward, request repairs, or cancel the deal.

Partner with a top Rhode Island agent to protect your sale

Disclosing your home’s condition is one of the most important — and legally sensitive — parts of the selling process in Rhode Island. A top local agent can help you understand what’s required, avoid common pitfalls, and provide expert guidance so you can complete the Rhode Island Real Estate Sales Disclosure Form accurately and confidently.

Unsure where to start? HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform connects you with trusted real estate agents in your Rhode Island market. We analyze over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to determine which agent is best for you based on your goals and selling timeline.

See the top real estate agents in 10 Rhode Island markets:

If you’re buying and selling at the same time, check out HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell program, which can streamline the entire process so you only move once. Watch this short video to see how it works.

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