What the Pawtucket Housing Authority does

The Pawtucket Housing Authority (PHA) is a public agency that owns and manages rental housing in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. It operates public housing units and administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8), which lets tenants rent from private landlords while the authority subsidizes part of the rent. The PHA also manages other housing programs and can connect you to resources if you're facing eviction or need emergency help.

The authority is separate from the city government, though it works with local agencies. It answers to a board of commissioners and follows federal housing rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). If you live in Pawtucket and need affordable housing or are already a PHA tenant, the authority is the body you'll contact directly.

Key Takeaways

  • The Pawtucket Housing Authority manages public housing units and Section 8 vouchers for low-income renters in Pawtucket.
  • To reach the PHA, contact their main office directly by phone or in person; they do not take most requests by email.
  • Wait lists for public housing and vouchers are typically closed, but you can ask when they reopen and request to be notified.
  • If you are a current PHA tenant, you report maintenance issues and rent concerns to your property manager or the main office.
  • The PHA can refer you to emergency rental help and other local resources, but does not run those programs itself.

How to contact the Pawtucket Housing Authority

The main office is located at 72 Summer Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860. You can reach them by phone at (401) 727-2000 during business hours, Monday through Friday. The office is closed on weekends and federal holidays. For urgent maintenance issues in your unit, ask when you call whether there is an after-hours emergency line.

Walk-in visits are possible, though calling ahead is faster because staff may be in meetings or helping other tenants. If you need to speak with someone about a specific issue — a maintenance request, a lease question, or information about programs — tell the person who answers what you need, and they will direct you to the right department.

The PHA website has limited information and does not accept applications or requests by email. If you see a form online, call the office to confirm whether it is current and how to submit it.

Public housing units and how to get on the wait list

The Pawtucket Housing Authority owns and manages apartment buildings throughout the city. These are public housing units, meaning the authority owns the building and sets the rent based on your income. Rent is typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income, though the exact amount depends on your household size and the unit.

The wait list for public housing is usually closed. When it is open, the PHA accepts applications in person at the main office. You will need proof of income, a photo ID, and proof of residency in Pawtucket or Rhode Island. The wait time can be several years, depending on unit availability and your priority (families with children and people over 62 may have different wait times).

To find out whether the list is currently open, call (401) 727-2000 and ask. If it is closed, ask whether you can request notification when it reopens. Some housing authorities keep a list of people who want to be contacted; the PHA can tell you whether they do.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

A Section 8 voucher lets you rent from a private landlord and pay a portion of the rent while the PHA pays the rest directly to the landlord. The amount you pay is based on your income (usually 30 percent of gross income), and the voucher covers the difference up to the fair market rent for your area. You choose the apartment and landlord, as long as the unit meets housing quality standards and the landlord is willing to participate.

The Section 8 wait list is also typically closed. Like public housing, you can call to ask when it might reopen and whether you can request notification. The wait list is often much longer than the public housing list — sometimes several years — so if you are interested, it is worth asking about your position now.

If you already have a Section 8 voucher, contact your case manager at the PHA with questions about your lease, rent amount, or moving to a new unit. Your voucher has an expiration date, and the PHA will tell you when you need to renew it.

Maintenance and repairs in your unit

If you are a PHA tenant and something in your unit needs repair — a leak, broken appliance, heating problem, or pest issue — contact your property manager or the main office at (401) 727-2000. Describe the problem clearly and ask how long repairs typically take. For emergencies like no heat in winter or a gas leak, ask about the emergency line when you call.

The PHA is required by law to keep units in safe, habitable condition. If a repair is not made within a reasonable time, you have the right to file a complaint with the Rhode Island Department of Housing, Resources and Development. Document the problem with photos and dates, and keep copies of any written requests you made to the PHA.

Eviction prevention and emergency help

If you are behind on rent or facing eviction, the Pawtucket Housing Authority can refer you to local resources, though the PHA itself does not run emergency rental programs. Rhode Island has state-funded emergency rental help, and Pawtucket may have local programs as well. Call the PHA and ask what resources they know about, or contact 211 Rhode Island (dial 2-1-1 or visit 211ri.org) for a list of programs in your area.

If you have an eviction notice, bring it with you when you seek help. Programs often prioritize cases with active court dates. The sooner you reach out, the more time there is to prevent the eviction or find alternative housing.

Tenant rights and lease issues

As a PHA tenant, you have rights under federal housing law and Rhode Island state law. Your lease must follow HUD rules and cannot include terms that violate your rights. Common issues include disputes over rent increases, lease termination, or what the PHA can charge for damage.

If you disagree with a decision the PHA made — such as a rent increase or a lease violation notice — you have the right to request a hearing. The PHA must give you written notice of the hearing process and your rights. Ask the main office for the grievance procedure if you have not received it, or call (401) 727-2000 to ask how to file a grievance.

You can also contact the Rhode Island Tenants Union or a local legal aid organization for information on your lease or rights. These groups do not charge for initial consultations and can help you understand what the PHA can and cannot do.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher?

Wait times vary widely depending on how many people are on the list and how many vouchers become available. In Pawtucket, the wait has been several years in the past. Call (401) 727-2000 to ask where you would be on the current list and whether the list is even open for new people.

Can I move to a different unit if I am already a PHA tenant?

Yes, but you must request a transfer through the PHA. The process and wait time depend on availability and your reason for moving. Contact your property manager or the main office to ask about the transfer process and whether there are units available in your size and location.

What happens if my landlord will not make repairs?

If you are a public housing tenant, report it to the PHA when ready. If you are a Section 8 tenant and your private landlord will not repair something, contact your PHA case manager. The PHA can inspect the unit and may withhold rent payment to the landlord if the unit fails inspection. You can also file a complaint with the Rhode Island Department of Housing, Resources and Development.

Is there a phone number for after-hours emergencies?

The main office number is (401) 727-2000. When you call, ask whether there is an emergency line for heating, water, or safety issues outside business hours. Some housing authorities have this; the PHA can tell you what to do if you have an emergency at night or on weekends.

What do I do if I disagree with an eviction notice from the PHA?

You have the right to a hearing before the PHA can evict you. The notice should explain how to request a hearing. If it does not, call (401) 727-2000 and ask for the grievance procedure. You can also contact a legal aid organization in Rhode Island for help preparing for the hearing.