Beware of False HCVP/Section 8 Wait List Social Media Posts

An increasing number of false social media posts are advertising openings in the HCVP/Section 8 Wait List. These posts are directing social media users to websites attempting to steal their personal information or data. Please be aware of any suspicious posts and avoid clicking links directing you to websites you do not recognize.

RIHousing and other Public Housing Authorities will only post links directing you to access the Centralized Wait List or their own municipality's housing authority wait list. If you have fallen victim to this or similar scams you can file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): https://www.ic3.gov/.

An example of a false post

Stay Healthy and Safe: Extreme Heat Resources

With recent forecasts of extreme heat, we encourage you to share information to help your tenants stay healthy and safe.

• The Rhode Island Department of Health has suggestions and guidance on handling intense heat: https://health.ri.gov/healthrisks/extremeheat/
  
  
• The City of Providence website has a useful page regarding preparing for extreme heat: https://www.providenceri.gov/pema/extreme-heat/
  
  
• These Cooling Centers are verified by the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency – we recommend that you send the list to tenants and/or post at your properties for general awareness. Click here for a printable list.

We urge you to check in on your residents during this time, particularly the vulnerable, elderly, and disabled. If you have a Resident Services Coordinator, we ask that you ensure that they are especially vigilant in their monitoring of tenants as we all deal with another hot Rhode Island summer.

Reminders:

• RIHousing's Rent Increase Policy:

  Please refer to RIHousing Program Bulletin 2024-02 regarding RIHousing's formal policy for approving rent increases on units located within RIHousing-financed and LIHTC-funded rental developments. The policy is not applicable to units or residents that receive a state or federal rental subsidy. Requests for rent increases on Housing Choice Voucher units administered by RIHousing should be directed to Becky Canela at bcanela@rihousing.com or (401) 457-1162. For non-subsidized units, tenant rent may be increased up to five percent (5%) annually; increases exceeding 5% require pre-approval from RIHousing. Rent increases must be implemented in accordance with the tenant lease agreement and shall not violate RIGL 34-18 (Residential Landlord Tenant Act). Rent adjustments must also comply with all federal and state program rules that may apply, including Section 42 of the Internal Revenue Tax Code.

• Federal Home Program: Sign up for the HUD Exchange Mailing List.
  
  
• For more information on HOTMA, please visit the HUD website or email mfh_hotma@hud.gov.
  
  
• Have you had staffing changes? Please ensure your property’s contact information remains current and accurate with this easy to use form.

We'd love to hear from you!

To provide suggestions for information you would like to see in future Property Matters E-News, please email Kathy Millerick at kmillerick@rihousing.com.