Landlords

Inspections

Initial Unit Inspections

All units participating in the Housing Choice Voucher program must be inspected prior to occupancy using Housing Quality Standards (HQS). To review a list of basic standards for an acceptable unit.

The unit should be ready to move in when the inspector arrives. He/she will cite any repairs needed in accordance with federal regulations. Once the repairs have been made, the landlord will contact the inspector for a re-inspection. The unit must pass inspection prior to the lease date.

Once the unit passes inspection, a PHA Representative will contact you and the prospective tenant to come to the office (100 Broad Street in Providence) to sign the lease and the Housing Choice Voucher (“Section 8” or “HCV”) contract.

Compliance

• Lead risks for pre-1978 buildings
• Provide EPA booklet: Protect Your Family from Lead

FAQ

1. Do I have the responsibility to screen potential tenants?
   Yes. The PHA is responsible solely for determining a family’s eligibility for the program. It does not screen for behavior or suitability as tenants. A screen for tenancy suitability is the responsibility of the Landlord.
2. What happens if a participant wants to rent a unit larger than the voucher?
   A tenant may rent a unit larger than the voucher size. However, The PHA will only pay for the rental amount for approved voucher.
3. I live out of state, why do I need an agent?
   RI State law states that the PHA may not make payments to an out-of-state owner/agent without an in-state rental agent. Non-RI resident owner/agents must file an in-state agent with the Office of the RI Secretary of State. Payments cannot be made otherwise. Please call the Secretary of State’s office at 401-222-3040 or visit sos.ri.gov for more information.
4. Do I have to be present for the initial inspection?
   The PHA Inspector is not permitted to enter any unit for an initial inspection if the owner/agent or agent is not present. For subsequent inspections after the initial HAP contract is signed, a tenant is required to be present, but the landlord also may choose to be present.
5. What is a 24-hour (emergency) violation?
   A 24-hour (emergency) violation is issued when a landlord is notified of a condition that poses an immediate risk to health or safety. These emergencies require correction within 24 hours and may include issues such as non-functioning smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors, lack of heat, unsafe or exposed wiring, or other hazardous conditions.
6. What is abatement?
   Abatement is mandated by HUD if an emergency or non-emergency violation is not corrected within the required timeframe or any approved extension for non-emergency violations. Payment is stopped, not held, until the violation is corrected.
7. What happens if the tenant does not let me in to do repairs?
   RI State Law states that the Landlord must give 48 hours’ written notice to enter. Please contact the Program Representative to assist with this problem.
8. Am I able to get an extension to finish the repairs?
   Extensions may be approved based on mitigation circumstances.
9. If I suspect fraud or criminal activity, whom do I contact?
   Please contact the Program Representative. For more information visit our fraud page
10. If a member of my household has a disability and needs special considerations to live in our unit, how do I ask the PHA for help?
    You may at any time during your residency request reasonable accommodation for the disability/disabilities of a household member, including reasonable accommodation so that the Tenant can meet lease requirements or other requirements of residency. You must provide proper medical documentation regarding the need for the reasonable accommodation requested. Contact your Property Management Office to discuss your household members’ needs and request a Reasonable Accommodation form.