RentReliefRI
to close to new applications
on June 1, 2022
RentReliefRI has been a lifeline for RI renters impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, helping thousands of families remain in their homes and catch up on rent and utility payments. The federally-funded RentReliefRI program will close to new applications on June 1, 2022. Launched in March of last year, the program provides financial assistance to cover rent arrears, forward facing rent, utility arrears and certain other housing expenses.
Based on the number of applicants currently under review, and those expected to apply for assistance between now and June 1, 2022, we anticipate that all remaining RentReliefRI funds allocated to financial assistance to renters will soon be depleted and therefore, we will be closing the program to new applications on June 1, 2022.
The program was designed to respond to the economic impact on renters of the COVID-19 pandemic and help bridge the gap for those financially impacted. The program’s closure highlights the fact that the rental assistance program has done what it set out to do: provide a lifeline to thousands of struggling renters across our state during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the program will soon be winding down to new applicants, we want to encourage any renters who have experienced a financial hardship and need help making their rent or utility payments but have yet to apply, to take action today and apply for assistance prior to the deadline. RentReliefRI staff and our community partners are available to offer support and resources to help renters apply for this assistance.
If you receive inquiries from members of your community, constituencies, staff or others, please refer them to RentReliefRI.com for important program updates and information.
Application Deadlines
Completed applications submitted prior to 11:59 pm on June 1, 2022, will continue to be processed and those that meet eligibility guidelines will be eligible to receive assistance after the closing date, which will be limited to past due rent and utilities, current month rent and three (3) months forward facing rent after which time there will be no further financial assistance available under the RentReliefRI program.
Thank you for your partnership in helping us ensure that Rhode Island renters had the information and resources they needed to apply for this assistance.
Questions?
RentReliefRI Call Center: 1-855-608-8756
Hours of Operation: M-F: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
About RentReliefRI
RentReliefRI is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number ERA0013 awarded to the State of Rhode Island by the U.S. Department of Treasury.
RIHousing, 44 Washington Street, Providence, RI 02903
Know someone who needs assistance in completing their application or is facing eviction?
Who is eligible for RentRelief RI?
Tenant applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be considered for rent relief:
- Your household income must meet certain income limits. Limits vary by location and household size.
- You must have qualified for unemployment benefits or have experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, OR experienced other financial hardship due, directly or indirectly, to COVID-19.
- You must show you are at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability. This may include submitting past-due rent and utility bills or eviction notices when you apply.
This program is only for renters and their landlords.
Please fill out and submit the Self-Attestation Form with your application for rental and/or utility assistance.
What documents do I need?
- Identification (ex. In-state or out-of-state ID; passport; state or city-issued ID; any form of Government issued ID; expired IDs are acceptable)
- A signed copy of the Self-Attestation form
- Proof of residency (ex; bank statement, utility bill, driver’s license)
- Proof of income (ex; wage statements, unemployment letter, 2020 tax return)
- Signed copy of your lease agreement or documentation showing tenancy (a pattern of rent payment)
- Documentation demonstrating your rental/utility arrearage (ex; past due utility bill, eviction notice, 5 day demand letter, communication from landlord)
- Landlord contact information (address, email and phone number) or written statement that landlord is unwilling to participate
*If you have received a notice from the court for an eviction proceeding against you, please have that documentation available.
**Even if you do not have these documents, you may still be eligible., Call 1-855-608-8756 or reach out to one of our partners for help completing the application.