We understand that these are stressful times for homeowners who may be experiencing loss of income and other financial impacts related to the COVID-19 health crisis.  RIHousing is closely monitoring the latest news about COVID-19 and working hard to ensure that Rhode Island homeowners have the resources and information they need.

UPDATED 02/25/2021
▸ FOR CUSTOMERS AT THE END OF THEIR FORBEARANCE PERIOD

Homeowners who are at the end of their forbearance period under the CARES Act will need to start resuming mortgage payments.

Under the CARES Act, homeowners with federally backed mortgages could receive mortgage forbearance. A forbearance is a ‘pause’ to mortgage payments, and homeowners are required to repay any missed or reduced payments. Homeowners who received a forbearance at the start of the pandemic are coming to the end of that forbearance period and will now need to resume their mortgage payments and work with their lenders on how to repay the deferred payments. Click here to learn more.

If you need to confirm what type of loan you have, please contact Matthew MacArthur at 401-429-1429 or via email at mmacarthur@rihousing.com.

▸ For those who are able to make their mortgage payments, it is important that you continue to do so.
If you are facing reduced hours or job loss and are worried about making your mortgage payment this month, there may be resources that can help.

• If you are a RIHousing mortgage customer and need assistance during this time, please reach out.
  Please note that the current call volume is extremely high, so we ask for your patience and understanding while we do our best to assist all customers. You may also reach us at servicinginfo@rihousing.com.
• Mortgage customers who are experiencing reduced hours or job loss and are having difficulty making their mortgage payments should submit a forbearance request via email to mmacarthur@rihousing.com. 

We appreciate your cooperation and thank you for being a valued customer.

For more information, see our RIHousing Mortgage Customers COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions.

Assistance for mortgage holders 

Many lenders are taking action to help homeowners impacted by COVID–19 to stay in their homes during this challenging time. Below are some things you can do if you are concerned about your ability to make your mortgage payment(s) due to the pandemic.

For more information and resources for homeowners, visit our COVID-19 Homeowner Assistance webpage.

CONTACT YOUR LENDER / MORTGAGE SERVICER

If you have experienced a disruption in your income, contact your lender/mortgage servicer to discuss your options and inquire about any special programs and/or delayed payment options they may offer. Some lenders have rolled out mortgage relief programs for those who are unable to make their mortgage payments due to a decline in income. Certain federally insured mortgage holders may be eligible for mortgage forbearance.

RIHousing HelpCenter

RIHousing’s HelpCenter is available to assist Rhode Island homeowners concerned about their ability to make their mortgage payments. The HelpCenter is a HUD-approved counseling agency that provides free foreclosure prevention counseling services to all Rhode Island homeowners. Click here for more information or reach out to: 401-457-1130.

Updated: March 30, 2021

Eviction Moratorium: The CDC has  announced today an extension of the federal eviction moratorium through July 31, 2021, and greater enforcement of the moratorium’s protection. In an effort to prevent the further spread of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), announced in September of last year an emergency public health order, which temporarily halts most evictions for nonpayment of rent. Under the order, renters who earn less than $99,000 annually (or $198,000 for a married couple household) are eligible for the moratorium. Renters must provide their landlord with an affidavit stating that they have sought government assistance for rent or housing; are unable to pay rent due to a substantial loss in income or because of extraordinary out-of-pocket medical expenses; are making their best effort to make partial rent payments, and would be faced with homelessness or overcrowding as a result of the eviction.

The moratorium does not change the obligations of tenants to eventually pay their rent or any late fees that may accrue. More information on the moratorium is available in the federal register here.

Updated July 1, 2020

On March 27, 2020, the President signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This legislation provided the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) the ability to waive statute or regulations to allow alternative requirements. This provided public housing authorities, such as RIHousing, with flexibilities necessary to respond to COVID-19. RIHousing has opted to use some of the waivers that were granted. Click here for details.