R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-24.3-3: Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to protect the public health, safety, and welfare by establishing minimum standards governing the condition and maintenance of all dwellings and dwelling premises or structures; establishing minimum standards governing utilities and facilities and other physical things and conditions essential to make dwellings safe, sanitary, and fit for human habitation; fixing certain responsibilities and duties of owners, operators, and occupants of dwellings and dwelling premises and structures; fixing the conditions whereby certain dwellings or structures may be declared unfit for occupancy and condemned for human habitation; and fixing penalties for violations of this chapter.