Turning a 1 bedroom into a 3 bedroom

[Lisa Kattenhorn]

Hi everyone! 

I have a multifamily property that includes a two story unit.  One bedroom, bathroom and living room on the bottom floor of the unit.  The upper floor was an attic previously.  Right now it has one room that I believe could be considered a legal bedroom if I add a secondary means of egress (the prior landlord was using it as a bedroom already),  plus another large random room with a sink and toilet in it that could easily be turned into another bedroom.  My question is, before I spend the money to make any changes, how do I find out whether these can legally be considered bedrooms - ie proper ceiling height, size, etc.   Is there an agency I should talk to?  (This is in Rhode Island, if that matters.)  Also, do I need to notify the town that it is now a three bedroom unit?   Thanks for any advice.  I am pretty new at this!

Lisa