Resources for Government and Housing Assistance Providers

Constituent
Services

Support and resources to assist Rhode Islanders with housing needs.

Housing Research
and Data

Reports, data, and analysis on housing in Rhode Island.

Municipal Technical Assistance

Guidance and support for municipalities on housing planning and development.

RI Continuum
of Care

Coordinated efforts to address homelessness across Rhode Island.

RIHousing’s mission is to ensure that all people who live in Rhode Island can afford a healthy home that meets their needs. We provide a wide range of products and services to help homeowners and renters access and sustain quality housing.

See How

Common Constituent Services Topics

Renters seeking affordable housing

Rhode Island is facing a critical shortage of affordable housing, so it can be challenging for many tenants to find an apartment within reach. But here are some resources that may assist them.

  • Rental Resource Guide: English | Spanish
    RIHousing’s Rental Resource Guide (available in English and Spanish) lists most affordable apartments in the state by community and population served, along with contact information.
  • Centralized Waitlist: Almost all of Rhode Island’s public housing authorities (PHAs) participate in the Centralized Waitlist administered by RIHousing. Through this portal, tenants can apply for rental assistance through any participating PHA.
  • HousingSearchRI: This web-based search tool hosted by RIHousing allows users to find available housing that meets their specific needs

Rhode Island’s Coordinated Entry System works to match people experiencing homelessness with the resources needed to resolve their homelessness as quickly as possible. People in crisis can call the Coordinated Entry System Hotline at 401-277-4316 or chat by clicking here.

Renters facing eviction, housing discrimination or experiencing issues with their landlord or apartment

  • 2024 Landlord Tenant Handbook: Written guide for consumers relating to the rights and duties of landlords and tenants.
    Legal Services: Free legal aid is available to assist low-income tenants with referrals, legal information, and legal representation for evictions statewide. Renters can reach out to RI Legal Services and/or The Center for Justice for assistance.
    RI Legal Services: 401-274-2652 // The Center for Justice: 401-491-1101.
  • Fair Housing Discrimination: Rhode Island law prohibits discrimination in housing-related transactions because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, familial status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, and lawful source of income. If a person believes they have been discriminated against, they should contact the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights (401-222-2661) or online at richr.ri.gov/filecharge/index.php.
  • Tenants Living in Subsidized Housing: Tenants should always contact the management of their apartment first to report issues they may be experiencing. If that does not resolve the issue, and the tenant lives in public housing or has rental assistance through a public housing authority, you should contact that PHA directly. RIHousing may be able to assist if the tenant lives in other types of subsidized housing. Tenants can call our hotline directly at Tenant Concerns Help Line: tenantconcerns@rihousing.com or call 401-492-1496 to report the issue.
  • The RIHousing HelpCenter is a HUD-approved counseling agency that provides free counseling services to all Rhode Island homeowners struggling to make their mortgage payments. The sooner a homeowner acts, the more options they may have: 401-457-1130.

Other Constituent Services Resources

2025 Constituent Services Training

2024 Constituent Services Training PPT
12.05.2024 Recorded Training
RIHousing: Who we are, what we do
RIHousing Loan Center

For homebuyers seeking assistance

LeadSafe Homes Program

For owner and tenants seeking help to address lead paint hazards

HousingSearchRI

Privacy Act and HIPAA Authorization Form

Municipal Technical Assistance Program

The Municipality Technical Assistance Program (MTAP) may be used for technical assistance for cities and towns to support increased local housing production. We are currently not accepting any applications. Click here to sign up for email updates on the program. 

Learn More

Have questions or need assistance?

Healthy Housing, Healthy Communities (H3C) Initiative

RIHousing Healthy Housing, Healthy Communities (H3C) Plan
Rhode Island Health and Housing Tool Kit
Rhode Island Health and Housing Took Kit – Appendix A-K

Are you a Newport resident?

Check whether your current residence is located within an eligible census tract.

Newport-Census-Map

Only residents of census tract 405 are eligible for the FirstGenHomeRI pilot program.

The map on the left shows the approximated eligible region.

Unsure if your address is part of the eligible region?

Type in your address below to find out (Include street #, street name, Newport, RI).

Data mapped by PolicyMap, an online GIS mapping tool.

Do you live in Central Falls, Pawtucket, Newport or East Providence?

Check whether your current residence is located within an eligible census tract for application prioritization.

Applications from residents who live in the census tract listed below are prioritized.

Central Falls 44007010900, 44007010800, 44007011100, 44007011000
Pawtucket 44007016000, 44007015300, 44007015100, 44007015200, 44007015500, 44007016600, 44007016700, 44007017000, 44007017100, 44007016100, 44007016400
Newport 44005040500, 44005041100
East Providence 44007010100, 44007010501

Type in your address below to learn if you are in the targeted area. (Include street #, street name, city, RI).