Rhode Island uses which type of recording system to protect bona fide purchasers of real property?

Correct Answer

C) Race-notice — a subsequent bona fide purchaser must take without notice AND record first to prevail

Rhode Island follows a race-notice recording system under RIGL § 34-13-4. To prevail over a prior unrecorded conveyance, a subsequent purchaser must satisfy two conditions: (1) take the property without actual or constructive notice of the prior conveyance, AND (2) record their deed first. This differs from a pure notice state, where recording first is not required, and from a pure race state, where notice is irrelevant. Rhode Island exam candidates should know that RI is race-notice, not pure notice.