Rhode Island HOA laws
Rhode Island associations are governed primarily by R.I. Gen. Laws ยง34-36.1-1.01 et seq. (Condominium Act) The local term for the association is association. This page is a plain-language orientation for Board members, not legal advice — for anything contested, retain Rhode Island counsel.
What this means when you hire management
Hiring a management company does not move the Board's fiduciary duty. A good company keeps you compliant; it does not absorb the liability. Ask any bidder how they track statutory deadlines and what happens when one is missed.
Rhode Island does not license community association managers. Verification of entity status, insurance, and individual designations does the work a license would otherwise do.
Most state acts give owners a right to inspect records. Ask a bidder what their turnaround is on a records request, whether they charge for it, and whether the association can export its own data on exit.
Notice periods, quorum, and proxy or ballot rules are statutory. Ask who drafts the notice, who runs the election, and whether that is included in the base fee or billed.
Start with what you already know.
You know your unit count. You know what your current management does well and what it does not. That is enough to begin.
Free for Boards. No calls until you ask.