Housing Choice Voucher Program

Families with a tenant-based voucher choose and lease affordable, privately-owned rental housing.

Under this program, families find their own rental apartment and use the voucher to pay for all or a portion of the rent.

This federal 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.

APPLY THROUGH THE CENTRALIZED WAIT LIST

RIHousing HCV Program Jurisdiction

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.

Learn more about our communities.
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 > 

Click here to view the RIHousing Jurisdiction Map

Click here to download the map

Do I qualify?

In most cases, Rhode Islanders in this program can earn no more than 50% of HUD’s median family income. The income restrictions vary by household size and the community in which the apartment is located.

View RI Income Limits (PDF)

For a home or apartment to be eligible

Click here if you are a landlord interested in participating in the HCV Program

Payment Standards

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.

This federal 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.

APPLY TODAY

For a home or apartment to be eligible

  • the owner must agree to participate in the voucher program
  • the home must meet minimum safety requirements

Do I qualify?

In most cases, Rhode Islanders in the HCV Program can earn no more than 50 percent of HUD’s median family income. The income restrictions vary by household size and the community in which the apartment is located. Median income levels are published by HUD and vary by location.

View the RI Income Limits (PDF)

Fair Market Rents

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.

View the Small Area FMR Payment Standards (PDF)

Housing Choice Voucher Participant Programs

FAMILY SELF SUFFICIENCY PROGRAM

This is a voluntary five-year program offered to all HCV Program voucher holders. It provides job training, education and other services to help gain skills and experience necessary to achieve financial independence.

LEARN MORE

SECTION 8 HOMEOWNERSHIP PROGRAM

This program provides guidance, education and support to Section 8 voucher holders that are ready to buy a home.

LEARN MORE

Housing Choice Voucher Participant Programs

SECTION 8 HOMEOWNERSHIP LOAN

This loan program provides guidance, education and support to Section 8 voucher holders that are ready to buy a home. 

LEARN MORE

FAMILY SELF SUFFICIENCY PROGRAM

This voluntary five-year program is offered to all Section 8 voucher holders. It provides job training, education and other services to help gain skills and experience necessary to achieve financial independence.

LEARN MORE

RIHousing HCV Program Jurisdiction

Housing Choice Vouchers are administered locally by the Public Housing Authority in each community. RIHousing serves as the authority in many communities, including those cities and towns that do not have their own.

 Want to learn more?
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 HOUSING PRACTICES ACT

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. Click here to learn more.

CONTACT

Questions about voucher portability between cities/towns?

Michael McMahon​
401-457-1163
mmcmahon@rihousing.com