Rhode Island General Laws Title 23. Health and Safety § 23-27.3-124.2. Notice of unsafe condition

When the whole or any part of any building, sign, or other structure shall be declared to be in an unsafe condition, the building official shall issue a notice of the unsafe condition to the owner of record describing the building or structure deemed unsafe, and an order either requiring that the building, sign, or structure be made safe or be demolished within a reasonable, stipulated time.  All notices and orders shall be in writing and shall be delivered to the owners of the building by the building official or his or her designated agent or shall be sent by registered or certified mail to the last known address of the owner or owners.  Orders to demolish any building, a sign, or structure shall also be issued to all mortgagees of record.  If any owner or mortgagee cannot be located after due and diligent search, the notice and order shall be posted upon a conspicuous part of the building or structure, and the procedure shall be deemed the equivalent of personal notice.  When a building or structure is ordered secured for any reason by the building official, the owner shall board the building or structure in accordance with § 23-27.3-124.6 within seven (7) days, or the building official may cause the necessary work to be done to secure the building or structure.  The cost of the work shall be billed to the owner and be a lien against the real property as provided in § 23-27.3-125.7.