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Housing assistance in Rhode Island

Rhode Island's LIHEAP heating assistance is run by the Department of Human Services, but applications go through local Community Action Agencies. Tenant rights come mainly from the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 34-18). Public housing and vouchers come from local housing authorities such as those in Providence, Pawtucket and Cranston.

Last checked Sources

Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers

Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.

Providence Housing AuthorityProvidencePublic housing agencyPawtucket Housing AuthorityPawtucketPublic housing agencyCranston Housing AuthorityCranstonPublic housing agency RIHousingStatewideHousing finance agency Every housing agency in Rhode IslandHUD directoryFind agencies serving your area

Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.

Programs and free legal help in Rhode Island

Energy and utility bills

  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Rhode Island Department of Human Services

    Heating assistance grants paid to the fuel vendor or utility, plus crisis grants for heat shutoffs, running out of deliverable fuel, or a heating system that can't be repaired. Apply through the Community Action Agency serving your area. The season opens October 1.

    Call 1-855-697-4347

Free legal help

No statewide emergency rent program? Most rent help is local. Call 211 and ask which county, charity, or community action programs are taking applications now. See emergency rental assistance.

Key tenant laws in Rhode Island

Statewide rules for most private rentals. Cities, counties, subsidized housing, and your lease can add protections, and some rules have exceptions. Read the linked law before relying on a deadline.

Security deposit limit

Up to one month's rent. A separate furniture deposit of up to one month's rent is allowed only if the furnishings are worth $5,000 or more.

R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(a), (e)

Deposit return deadline

Within 20 days after the latest of the tenancy ending, the tenant giving up possession, or the tenant providing a forwarding address, the landlord must return the deposit with an itemized notice of deductions. Wrongful withholding can bring damages of twice the amount withheld plus attorney fees.

R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19(b)-(c)

Notice before an eviction for unpaid rent

Once rent is 15 days late, the landlord must mail a written demand giving the tenant 5 days to pay. An eviction can be filed no earlier than the 6th day after mailing.

R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-35

Landlord entry notice

Except in emergencies or when impracticable, the landlord must give at least two days' notice and enter only at reasonable times.

R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-26(c)

If the landlord won’t make repairs

If repairs cost less than $500 in total per year, the tenant may notify the landlord in writing. If the landlord doesn't comply (or show good-faith efforts) within 20 days, the tenant may have the work done professionally and deduct the cost after giving an itemized statement. This limit took effect Jan. 1, 2024.

R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-30

This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a notice or court papers, contact legal aid right away. See facing eviction, security deposit rights, and repairs and habitability.

Phone lines that serve Rhode Island

More local contacts: HUD’s Rhode Island resource page.

Next steps

  1. Urgent? If you need shelter tonight or have an eviction court date, start with urgent housing help.
  2. Behind on rent: call 211 and apply to several programs at once. Use our payment plan letter to propose terms to your landlord in writing.
  3. Long-term help: apply to every housing agency above, plus income-restricted apartments. Gather your documents first.
  4. Check affordability: use the rent affordability calculator or the Section 8 rent calculator.

Sources

Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.

  1. R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-19Rhode Island General Assembly
  2. R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-35Rhode Island General Assembly
  3. R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-26Rhode Island General Assembly
  4. R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-30Rhode Island General Assembly
  5. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)Rhode Island Department of Human Services
  6. Rhode Island Legal ServicesRhode Island Legal Services
  7. Providence Housing AuthorityProvidence Housing Authority
  8. Pawtucket Housing AuthorityPawtucket Housing Authority
  9. Cranston Housing AuthorityCranston Housing Authority