Government and Assistance Providers

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.

• 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.