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Providence Housing Authority

Public Housing

The Application Process

Applying

As of January 1st, 2026, the PHA is accepting applications online for the following unit types:

As of January 1st, 2026, the PHA is accepting applications via their online application portal for studio apartments (single person households ages 18+ with disability and ages 50 and older), one-bedroom apartments (elderly and/or disabled), two to seven-bedroom apartments (family units).

You can apply via our Online Application.
Our Section 8 voucher waitlist remains open at waitlistcentralri.com.
Effective for Area Median Income of $114,300
Household Size
80% AMI (Low)
1
$64,050
2
$73,200
3
$82,350
4
$91,450
5
$98,800
6
$106,100
7
$113,400
8
$120,750

Receipt Confirmation

After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email with the following:
  • Date your application was received
  • Requested bedroom size
  • Estimated wait time
Please note: Wait times are approximate and subject to change.

Screening & Verification

As you near the top of the waiting list, the PHA will begin screening your application. This includes:
  • Income eligibility review based on HUD’s income limits
  • Verification of household composition, income, and assets
  • Review of landlord references, court and police records (5-year history)
  • Possible character reference checks or home visits

Reasonable Accommodation

A reasonable accommodation is any change to PHA policies or procedures that allows individuals with disabilities to have equal access to housing opportunities.
To request accommodation, please complete the Request for Reasonable Accommodation form.

Selection

When a suitable unit becomes available, the PHA will contact you directly.

Residents

Management Department

The Property Management Department is available to assist you with any questions or concerns regarding your tenancy. Each PHA development has an assigned Property Manager to support residents. All public housing residents are expected to abide by the terms of their lease and to control guests while they are on PHA property. The PHA lease outlines your responsibilities as a tenant.

Pay Your Rent Online

Through the Tenant Portal, you can:
  • Pay your rent online anytime, anywhere using a bank account or debit card
  • Message your Property Manager directly
  • Send and receive documents securely
  • Check your account balance in real time
  • Review and update your contact information
Log In or Register to the Tenant Portal

Other Ways to Pay

You can also pay your rent:
  • In person at your property management office
  • By mail using the tenant rent mailers that are sent out each month

Security

We are committed to protecting the integrity and safety of the housing programs what we administer and ensuring that benefits are received only by eligible households in accordance with federal regulations.

A security concern is any activity, situation, or behavior that may pose a threat to the safety, well-being, or comfort of residents, staff, or visitors. These concerns may not raise the level of an emergency but should still be reported.

Examples of Security Concerns:
  • Suspicious or unknown individuals loitering on or near the property
  • Unauthorized people trying to access secure areas
  • Aggressive or threatening behavior
  • Vandalism or property damage
  • Drug use or paraphernalia found on-site
  • Trespassing
  • Vehicles parked suspiciously for extended periods
  • Conflicts or disturbances that could escalate
Call PHA Security: 401-421-6980
Available to respond to non-emergency security issues and concerns on housing property.
An emergency is any immediate threat to life, health, or property that requires urgent response by fire, medical, or police personnel.
Examples of Emergencies:
  • Fire or smoke
  • Medical emergencies (injury, overdose, unconsciousness)
  • Crimes in progress (assault, burglary, domestic violence)
  • Any dangerous situation requiring immediate intervention
Call 911 immediately in any emergency.
A non-emergency police matter is a situation that requires police attention but is not urgent or life-threatening.
Examples include:
  • Noise complaints
  • Minor vandalism or graffiti
  • Theft that has already occurred
  • Suspicious behavior that is no longer happening
  • Follow-up questions or reports related to previous incidents
Call the Police Non-Emergency line: (401) 272-3121

Orientation Videos

Resident Advisory Board (RAB)

The Resident Advisory Board (RAB) works with PHA in shaping the future of our community by working closely to improving services, facilities, and overall quality of life.

Who Can Join?

  • Residents in good standing at their development/programming
  • Residents 18 years or older, on a lease
  • Residents who want to make a difference and want to help the community succeed in a positive way
No experience is necessary, just a passion to make a difference in your community.

Responsibilities

  • Advise PHA on the development of The Annual Plan and 5 Year Plan for HUD
  • Be willing to work collaboratively with other PC members and the PHA in planning and providing important feedback on programs policies, activities and partnerships
  • Support programs and initiatives
  • Attend monthly meetings

Maintenance

We are dedicated to ensuring all residents live in safe, clean, and well-maintained homes. Our maintenance department works year-round to address repair needs, maintain property standards, and respond to emergencies as quickly as possible.

How to Request Maintenance

If you are a current PHA resident and need maintenance or repairs, you can submit a request using one of the following methods:
  • By Phone: Call our 24-hour Maintenance Call Center at (401) 421 3325
  • Emergency Maintenance (After Hours): Call (401) 421 3325 for urgent issues such as no heat, major leaks, electrical hazards, or unsafe conditions.

Types of Maintenance Services

PHA provides the following maintenance services:
  • Routine Maintenance: Includes minor plumbing issues, appliance repairs, pest concerns, and other general upkeep.
  • Preventative Maintenance: Scheduled inspections and seasonal servicing, heating, plumbing, and electrical systems.
  • Emergency Maintenance: Urgent repairs that affect health, safety, or the structure of the home.

Resident Responsibilities

Residents are expected to help maintain their units by:
  • Keeping living areas clean and free from hazards
  • Reporting issues as soon as they arise

FAQ

  1. How does the PHA calculate my rent amount?
    Your rent amount is calculated as 30% of gross annual income minus applicable deductions.
  2. I have lost a job or stopped receiving a benefit. Do I need to report this to the PHA?
    Yes, contact your Property Manager within 10 days.
  3. I have lost a job or stopped receiving a benefit. Do I need to report this to the PHA?
    Yes, you are required to report any increase in income within 10 days.
  4. Do I have to report changes in my household size to PHA?
    Yes. You are required to report any changes such as the birth of a child or a child or other family member moving out of your unit within 10 days. Any changes must be approved by the PHA.
  5. I have a member of my family coming for a visit. Is there a limit on the time a guest can stay in my apartment?
    PHA requires prior written permission.
  6. 6. I have been a victim of domestic violence. How can the Housing Authority help me to keep safe?
    The PHA has appointed VAWA Coordinator who provides an explanation of your rights and how PHA can be of assistance. Please contact the VAWA Coordinator at Vawa@provhousing.org. If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1 immediately.
  7. How do I add another person to my lease?
    Please contact your Property Manager office who will provide you with next steps.
  8. 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 accommodations for the disability/disabilities of a household member, including reasonable accommodations so that the Tenant can meet lease requirements or other requirements of residency. You must provide proper medical documentation of the need for the requested reasonable accommodation. Contact your Property Management Office to discuss your household member’s needs and request a Reasonable Accommodation form.
  9. Does PHA provide parking?
    PHA provides parking as a courtesy, so to obtain a parking permit please contact your Property Manager.
  10. I need help finding social services for my family. Can PHA help?
    Yes, the PHA’s Resident Services Department provides a wide range of services for residents through its own staff and through referrals to other organizations. PHA’s Resident Services Department has assigned Resident Service Coordinators (RSCs) for each of its developments. RSCs are available to help in accessing available services and programs.