RI REALTORS® Broker Forum Discusses Time is of the Essence Clause on P and S

Today, the Rhode Island Association of REALTORS® held a Broker Forum to discuss the RIAR Purchase and Sales agreement, with the discussion largely focusing on whether a ‘time is of the essence’ clause should be present on the RIAR Purchase and Sales contract. Attendees were asked about their opinions on time is of the essence - some were in support, some opposed, and some suggested that it should be optional. Many voiced that ample time for agent education is needed if the clause is added to the form.

RIAR is continuing to solicit input for the remainder of the month via email to CEO Philip Tedesco at phil@rirealtors.org or General Counsel Monica Staaf at monica@rirealtors.org. Comments will be discussed by the RIAR Executive Committee, the RIAR Forms Committee, and staff to determine next steps. Updates will follow. 

Don't Miss the RI REALTORS® Policy Power Hour on Wednesday Mornings!

Laws change quickly in the last days of the legislative session. Stay on top of the latest legal and industry issues affecting your business by joining our Policy Power Hour Zoom meeting every Wednesday morning at 9. Meet for an hour or just drop in to ask a question to RI REALTORS® General Counsel and VP of Policy Monica Staaf, Director of Government Affairs Trevor Chasse, or Associate Counsel Rebekah Wagoner. Save this weekly Zoom link in your calendar to join in the conversation!

Coming soon to "Coming Soon"

The State-Wide MLS Board of Directors voted to remove the language in their Rules and Regulations that restricted distribution of Coming Soon listings via IDX, VOW, and third-party websites. This update reflects State-Wide MLS’s ongoing commitment to providing brokers with greater flexibility in marketing their listings while maintaining transparency, cooperation, and compliance across the marketplace.

Learn what this means to you.

REALTORS® Release R.I.'s April Home Sales

Rent Control Vetoed in Providence

Special thanks also goes out to the Greater Providence Board of REALTORS® for their work in helping to stave off the Providence City Council's rent stabilization ordinance. After several months of debate, the proposed ordinance calling for a 4% annual cap per year on rent increases, even after sale, was vetoed by the Mayor. In the final tally, the Council was not able to secure the votes needed to override the veto.

While well-intended, the negative impacts of rent control on housing markets have been documented throughout the country. Kudos to all the members who stood up to protect Rhode Island's homeowners, landlords, and tenants.

Revised EPA Lead Booklet with New Rhode Island Insert

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revised its mandatory lead pamphlet, Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home, that sellers and landlords are legally required to provide to potential buyers and tenants of a dwelling unit that was built before 1978.

In mid-May 2026, the Rhode Island Department of Health added its mandatory Rhode Island insert, What You Should Know about the Rhode Island Lead Law, into the pamphlet.  Here is a link to the most current version: Protect Your Family Pamphlet 2026. To make sure that you are using the correct version, check to see that it includes the Rhode Island information as well, which starts on page 21.

For more information, please contact the RI REALTORS® Legal Department at legal@rirealtors.org.

REMINDER: The New Non-Owner Occupied Property Tax Takes Effect July 1

Starting on July 1, 2026, owners of residential dwellings that are assessed at more than $1 million will be required to pay a new quarterly state property tax on the portion that is over $1 million unless the owners can document that they live in the property or rent to tenants for 183 days or more.

The Division has created resources that you can share with your clients - a new Non-Owner Occupied Property Tax webpage, including Advisory 2026-09 and an additional FAQ document and presentation slides from a Department of Taxation information session. Anyone with specific tax scenarios that are not addressed in the resources can contact the Excise Tax Section at Tax.Property@tax.ri.gov. Visit RIRealtors.org for more details.

Just Over One Month Left to Apply for a National Association of REALTORS® Committee Spot - Explore the Possibilities!

If you're interested in exploring the idea of becoming an NAR committee member, read this article that highlights the experiences and impact of past and current committee members. The piece demonstrates how committee service contributes to NAR, advances the industry, and provides valuable leadership opportunities.

The Committee Application Database has a NEW application process including an all-new Expertise Profile, in addition to all-new Committee Applications. The deadline to submit applications is June 24, 2026. Learn more.

New State-Wide MLS Subscriber Benefit Coming June 1st

It’s simpler than ever to promote listings with Lone Wolf Boost 

State-Wide MLS customers will soon have access to Lone Wolf Boost, a leading digital advertising solution. With Boost, you can easily create and run digital ads on today’s most popular websites and social media platforms without doing the heavy lifting. Show off your listings, promote open houses, share just sold announcements, and so much more. Stay tuned!

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Classes

View the RI REALTORS® Professional Development calendar to see all upcoming courses that can help you fulfill state and national license education requirements.

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