Portsmouth, RI · Newport County
Homeowner Affidavit
The Portsmouth Homeowner Affidavit is for an owner-occupant of a single-family home who applies for building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, or other permits to perform the work personally.
- licensed online notary
- ~15 min average
- Notarized PDF emailed
What you’ll need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Webcam-enabled device (laptop or phone)
- This form, ready to upload as a PDF
What this form is
This affidavit tells the Portsmouth Inspection Department that the permit applicant owns and occupies the single-family home and will personally complete the permitted work without assistance. Submit it when applying for the listed permits; the homeowner also declares responsibility for arranging required inspections, meeting applicable codes, correcting violations, and, if plans change, hiring a licensed or registered contractor and promptly providing the department with that contractor’s credential number.
Who needs it
An owner-occupant of a single-family home needs this affidavit when applying to perform permitted work personally without assistance from others.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download the Affidavit
Get the Homeowner Affidavit from the Town of Portsmouth.
- 2
Fill In the Form
Enter your homeowner, property, permit, and date details, then review each declaration.
- 3
Book an Online Notary
Arrange a remote session with a commissioned online notary.
- 4
Sign on Video
Sign the affidavit during the online notary session.
- 5
Submit to the Town
Send the completed affidavit to the Portsmouth Inspection Department with your permit application.
Preview the form
The blank PDF straight from Portsmouth. Look it over, then upload your filled copy to start the notary session.
You’ll need ID and a webcam.
A licensed online notary will join you on video, verify your government-issued ID, witness your signature, and apply their seal. You’ll receive the notarized PDF by email when the session ends.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I complete the Portsmouth Homeowner Affidavit?
- Fill in your name, property and permit details, review the declarations, then sign the affidavit before a notary. Submit the completed form to the Portsmouth Inspection Department.
- Do I need to sign the affidavit in front of a notary?
- Yes. The form includes a jurat stating that the homeowner subscribed and swore to the affidavit before a notary.
- Can I use an online notary for this form?
- Rhode Island law permits remote online notarization by a commissioned online notary. Check with the Portsmouth Inspection Department if you have questions about accepting a remotely notarized form.
- Where should I ask about submitting the completed form?
- Contact the Portsmouth Inspection Department about permit submission. For questions about municipal records or where to file, confirm with the city or town clerk if unsure.