Buyers & Renters

If you are looking for a home to rent or buy that meets your household's income, the following organizations are a great place to start.

Whether renting or buying, it is best to have your housing costs be no more than 30 percent of your gross monthly income. For households earning less than median income, this can be a struggle. You may qualify for some programs that provide for long-term affordability if you fall below certain income limits depending on household size. For rentals, incomes below 80 percent of area median income may qualify; and for home ownership, incomes below 120 percent of area median income may qualify. Speaking to a housing counselor at the organizations below will help you learn more about your options.

RIHousing

RIHousing works to ensure that all people who live and work in Rhode Island can afford a safe, healthy home that meets their needs. They provide resources for both buyers and renters, including low-interest loans, grants, education, a rental resource guide, advocacy and consumer counseling to help their customers buy and retain their homes.

RIHousing also sponsors HousingSearchRI.org, a free online rental listing service that links people who need housing with the housing they need.

Housing Network of Rhode Island

The Housing Network of Rhode Island is a coalition of nonprofit community developers. The Housing Network's goal is to increase the homeownership rate among minorities and low-moderate income Rhode Islanders across the state, but especially in the neighborhoods in which its coalition members focus their revitalization efforts. Since the Network's formation in 1992, they have worked with their coalition members to to provide homeownership education and counseling to low-moderate income Rhode Islanders.

The Homeownership Connection offers a range of pre- and post-closing programs including homebuyer education, financial fundamentals, home repair and maintenance, and foreclosure prevention.

Affordable Rental Housing Online

This online database showcases all types of housing, from market rate to affordable housing property types such as family housing, senior housing, Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), Project-Based Section 8, rural rental housing, and handicap accessible housing.