How do I apply for Section 8 in Rhode Island?

Apply to the local public housing agency that serves the area where you want to live. Each agency runs its own waiting list; check its official site to see whether the list is open.

Section 8 in Rhode Island: Housing Authorities and How to Apply

Section 8 (the Housing Choice Voucher program) is run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). You apply to the agency that serves where you want to live; many keep waiting lists that open only at times. Here are the agencies serving Rhode Island's largest areas, from HUD's official contact list and each agency's site.

Is it illegal for a Rhode Island landlord to refuse Section 8? Yes, statewide. Refusing to rent, or inquiring about, 'lawful source of income' is an unlawful housing practice. Lawful source of income includes child support, alimony, Social Security, SSI, other public assistance, and any federal, state or local rental assistance or housing subsidy, including Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, and any requirement associated with those programs. R.I. Gen. Laws 34-37-4(a); 34-37-3(18)

Housing authorities in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Housing (RIHousing) – Section 8 Voucher Programs — Providence
Housing Choice Voucher, Project-Based Voucher
Phone: (401) 443-1614
How to apply / waiting list
Providence Housing Authority — Providence, Providence County
Housing Choice Voucher, Public Housing, Project-Based Voucher
Phone: (401) 751-6400
How to apply / waiting list — Public housing applications accepted online since January 1, 2026; Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher list (through the RI Centralized Wait List) open (as of 2026-10-24 per PHA site)
Pawtucket Housing Authority (Housing Authority of the City of Pawtucket) — Pawtucket, Providence County
Housing Choice Voucher, Public Housing
Phone: (401) 721-6000 (applications 401-205-1731)
How to apply / waiting list
East Providence Housing Authority — East Providence, Providence County
Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher, Family Self-Sufficiency
Phone: (401) 434-7645
How to apply / waiting list
Cranston Housing Authority — Cranston, Providence County
Phone: (401) 944-7210
Woonsocket Housing Authority — Woonsocket, Providence County
Phone: (401) 767-8000
Warwick Housing Authority — Warwick, Kent County
Phone: (401) 732-8500

Source: HUD public housing agency contact list. Check the agency's own site before applying; waiting lists open and close.

Statewide housing agency

Rhode Island Housing (RIHousing) — RIHousing is the Section 8 voucher agency for 19 Rhode Island communities, runs the statewide Centralized Wait List (one application for RIHousing and participating housing authorities), lists federally subsidized (project-based) apartments, and points people experiencing homelessness to regional access points.

Help paying rent in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Centralized Wait List (Housing Choice and Project-Based Vouchers) — One online application places you on the Section 8 voucher waiting lists of RIHousing and participating local housing authorities; not every Rhode Island housing authority participates.

How to apply

Find the housing authority for the city or county where you want to live (list above).
Check whether its voucher waiting list is open; many open for short windows or use a lottery.
Apply only through the agency's official site or office. Applying is free — no one may charge you to get on a list.
Keep your contact information current with the agency so you do not lose your place.
When a voucher is issued, you find a rental whose rent fits the agency's payment standard and that passes inspection.

Rent levels (HUD Fair Market Rent) and local help by county

Rhode Island tenant rights · Free legal help in Rhode Island · Section 8 in other states

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.