RIHousing connects individuals and families with safe, affordable homes through federal rental assistance programs. With more than 1,400 Housing Choice Vouchers and 15,000 affordable apartments statewide, we help Rhode Islanders reduce housing costs, achieve stability, and take steps toward long-term financial independence.
Apply through the RI Centralized Waiting List (CWL) to be considered for Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) across the state.
We’ve partnered with the Public Housing Association of Rhode Island to make the process easier—allowing applicants to access multiple waiting lists with a single application.
Submit one application for RIHousing and participating Housing Authorities.
Update your contact information online to receive notices.
Check your status on multiple waitlists in one place.
NOTE: Not all Public Housing Authorities in Rhode Island are currently participating.
If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness: Contact one of the regional access point. Find RI Regional Access Points >
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (often called Section 8) helps eligible renters by covering part or all of their monthly rent. This federal program makes safe, affordable housing possible for thousands of Rhode Islanders.
The program provides housing assistance in the form of a “voucher” so tenants can find a home that fits their needs. Tenants are required to pay 30-40% of their gross household income in rent and utilities. This type of subsidy is tenant-based, meaning the assistance is tied to the individual rather than the property
Housing Choice Vouchers are administered locally by the Public Housing Authority in each community. RIHousing serves as the authority in 19 communities across the state.
We have created a HCVP Community Guide that provides an overview of living in any of those communities to help you choose which communities you may want to apply for housing
Fair Market Rents (FMRs) are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and used to determine the maximum rent a landlord can charge in their specific location.
At first lease-up and whenever the landlord requests a rent increase, a rent reasonableness comparison is required to
determine the approved rent amount. RIHousing uses the affordablehousing.com module to assess the reasonableness of a proposed rent with other comparable rental units in the geographic area. In some cases, the rent reasonableness
determination may be less than the payment standard. In such cases, the approved rent cannot exceed the rent reasonableness
determination.
The homeowner must agree to participate in the voucher program
The home must meet minimum safety requirements
If you are a landlord interested in participating in the HCV Program
In most cases, Rhode Islanders in this program can earn no more than 80% of HUD’s median family income. The income restrictions vary by household size and the community in which the apartment is located.
The Project Based Voucher Program helps eligible renters with monthly rental assistance. However, this assistance is tied to particular units rather than to the tenant.
Log in to the Centralized Wait List for a complete listing of properties.
Build financial independence. Reach your goals.
The FSS Program is a voluntary opportunity for Housing Choice Voucher and Project-Based Voucher participants to take steps toward lasting economic security.
This program provides guidance, education and support to Section 8 voucher holders that are ready to buy a home.
Newly passed legislation in Rhode Island now makes it illegal to discriminate against a potential tenant based on their source of income. This includes discriminating against tenants because they receive a housing choice voucher. This discrimination may include advertisements that say “No Section 8 allowed” or telling a potential tenant a unit is no longer available after learning they have a voucher.
Check whether your current residence is located within an eligible census tract.
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).
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).