SECTION 8

HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER

Overview

What is The Housing Choice Voucher Program?

 The Section 8 program, officially known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, is a federal government initiative in the United States that helps low-income families, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities afford safe and decent housing.

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section 8

What to know about the housing choice voucher program

Vouchers

Participants receive a voucher that subsidizes a portion of their rent. The amount of the subsidy depends on the family's income, the local cost of housing, and the size of the family.​

Private Housing

Unlike public housing, the Housing Choice Voucher Program allows participants to choose their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments, as long as the housing meets program requirements.

Tenant Contribution

Typically, tenants pay between 30% and 40% of their adjusted income towards rent at initial lease-up.

Portability

The vouchers are portable, meaning that recipients can use them to move to different locations within the United States, provided the local housing authority accepts the voucher.

Waiting list

Housing Choice Voucher waiting list

Housing Voucher Waiting List Open as of December 17, 2017

Resident of Central Falls, applies also to applicants working in Central Falls but not living in Central Falls.​

Working preference: also applies to elderly and disabled households or household in which the head of household is in school full time.

The CFHA will not on account of race, color sex, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, age, family or marital status, handicap or disability, deny any family or individual the opportunity to apply for or receive assistance under HUD’s  Housing Choice Voucher Program.

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Payments Standards

  • With all utilities included.
UNIT JAN 23 JAN 24 JAN 25
4 BED
$2,118
$2,358
$2,358
3 BED
$1,715
$1,904
$1,904
2 BED
$1,550
$1,710
$1,710
1 BED
$1,206
$1,342
$1,342

Tenants Information

Portability In Tenants = Families in other cities moving into Central Falls

Initial Housing Authority = Agency the family is coming from.

Receiving Housing Authority = Agency the family is moving to.

Receiving Housing Authority determines the income limits, payment standards, rent reasonableness and Occupancy Standards as well as policies.

Orientations are given to all Portability In and applicant families prior to leasing.

Request for Tenancy Approvals (RFTA) are taken from tenants with appointments. The RFTAs are due in the office by the 15th of the month in order to lease for the 1st of the following month.

Initial Inspections are performed within the first 7 days of receipt of the RFTA. All attempts to
schedule an inspection will be documented.

Landlords must call the inspector when repairs are complete to set up an appointment for reinspection before the deadline.

Security Deposit is the responsibility of the tenant and the landlord. Landlord should follow RI law when charging security deposits.

Family Obligations are found on the back of the Housing Choice Voucher and it is also reviewed at all orientations; families must adhere to these obligations.

Lease Provisions are found on your lease and families must abide by them.

ELECTRONIC INCOME VERIFICATION OF TENANT-SUPPLIED INCOME INFORMATION IS DONE TO ENSURE CORRECT PROJECTION OF ANNUAL INCOME.

VERIFICACIÓN ELECTRÓNICO DE DE INGRESO es usada para comparar ingreso sometido por familias. Esto ayuda asegurar de que el ingreso usado para calcular la renta este correcto.

Landlords

New Landlord Portal

Breakdown of Rental Payments For instructions on how to use the website: Landlord Instructions on the Owner Portal. You can register for the Owner Portal to obtain a breakdown of your rental payments.

Extensions are given for installation of the intercommunicating smoke alarms.

Intercommunicating Smoke Detectors are not the Fire Alarm systems required on 4 family dwellings.

Why Direct Deposit?

Direct Deposit is available if you are interested in direct deposit and you have not signed an authorization form, please call us and we will mail you a form or you can print the Landlord Direct Deposit Authorization form.

Available Empty Apartments If you have vacant units that you would like to add to the Apartments in CF list please contact us by email: [email protected] or by phone: (401) 648-8298

We do not inspect vacant units unless there is an interested HCV family with the proper paperwork.

The following representatives are listed based on the first letter of the tenants last name. Please address your questions to the representative that corresponds to your tenant:

Vanessa ZunigaRepresentative for owner with 3 or more units leased with the Housing Choice Voucher Program. 
Keila SanchezRepresentative for owner with 1 to 2 units leased with the Housing Choice Voucher Program. 
A-ZElsa SeguraPortability -In
A-ZKatia LinarteFSS Program
A-ZAngelly PertuzWaiting List
A-ZNancy HumanaInspection Contact

Move-Inspections must pass prior to the landlord signing a Housing Authority Payment Contract. Units must be vacant prior to Inspection unless the new voucher holder’s family is occupying the unit.

Lead Compliance Certificate is needed at every lease-up for non-owner occupied units built prior to 1978. Please view our Lead Information page for Information on how to obtain a Lead Compliance Certificate. There are several types of lead inspections and the CFHA only requires the Lead Compliance Certificate for non-owner occupied units unless other circumstances apply.

Lead Conformance Certificate needs to be updated every 2 years either by a visual assessment or a new inspection.

Proof of Ownership must be attached to all Requests for Tenancy approval Please attach a copy of the deed, current fire insurance, or current tax statement every time there is a turnaround.

Property Management Contract is needed with submission of the Request or Tenancy Approval (only needed once)

Requested rents are compared to a rent reasonable survey of the Central Falls area and can never exceed this survey.

Rent Increases must be requested 60 days prior to the lease anniversary of your tenant family. The request must contain an effective date, the amount of the increase and a valid reason for the increase.

Request for Tenancy Approvals must be submitted by the family by the 15th of the month to lease for the 1st of the following month except for the following exceptions due to holidays.

Reporting Fraud

Do you know a Public Housing tenant or a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCVP) participant who is:

  • Not reporting that the head of household’s significant other/life partner lives in the unit;
  • Not reporting everyone living in the unit, even if they’re just “staying there”;
  • Not reporting that a family member has started work or has unreported income like an undeclared in-home childcare business (A home-based business is allowed as long as the tenant has declared the income from it.);
  • Not reporting that children have left home;
  • Renting out the assisted unit, or a bedroom in the assisted unit, to someone else; or
  • Falsifying documents or signatures.
 

Do you know an HCVP Landlord who is:

  • Soliciting and/or receiving extra rent on the side;
  • Renting to relatives without approval from the Central Falls Housing Authority (CFHA);
  • Accepting payment from the CFHA for a vacant unit, or a unit in which the program participant no longer lives; or
  • Living in the same unit as the family that is being subsidized.
 

If you do, you know someone who is committing housing fraud!

Housing fraud is any action or failure to act that allows a Public Housing tenant, Housing Choice Voucher Program participant, or HCVP landlord to receive benefits for which the person doesn’t qualify. A person who knowingly withholds information fails to report a change in the family’s circumstances, or otherwise engages in activity prohibited by program regulations is committing an act of fraud.

The vast majority of families receiving housing assistance from the CFHA and HCVP landlords are honest and follow program rules. Regardless, the CFHA is committed to the integrity and effectiveness of its housing programs and operations. This includes preventing, detecting, and prosecuting waste, fraud, and abuse when it does happen – including by using tips, whether self-identified or anonymous.

You Can Help by Reporting Fraud

Help keep the money where it belongs–assisting families in need who meet program qualifications. You should report incidences of fraud promptly while the facts are still fresh in your mind. The CFHA’s Report Fraud Form is a confidential way to report fraud. Provide as much information as you can. Describe what happened in detail. Around what dates did you notice the suspect activity? Are there documents that support your claim (such as a side contract between the owner and tenant, a phone bill proving residence at another location, etc.)? Also, it’s very helpful if you have the names and contact information of people willing to talk to an investigator.

You don’t have to give us your name. Even if you do, it will be kept confidential.

Please submit only one form per incident.

Apart from fraud, you may observe something that you suspect is unlawful. Suspected crimes should always be promptly reported to the Central Falls Police Department.

All Reports Are Kept Confidential

The information that you provide to the CFHA is strictly confidential. When information is brought forward about possible fraud, the Fraud Investigator conducts an independent investigation–without revealing the name of any person that has brought information to the CFHA’s attention. In conducting the investigation, the Fraud Investigator may review documents, interview neighbors, employers and others, conduct surveillance, and question suspects. The Fraud Investigator may review police records, use computer databases of information such as income, assets, and places of residence, and work with other law enforcement agencies.

If the Fraud Investigator finds that a case cannot be proven without using information that would reveal the identity of the informant, the Fraud Investigator will contact you for permission to release your identity. If you don’t give permission, your name will not be used but the case may not be able to go forward.

Because of confidentiality requirements, the CFHA is not able to make any statements regarding the status of any investigation or results. Investigations and the process of terminating housing assistance and prosecuting the offender can be lengthy. Don’t assume that no action is being taken simply because you continue to see the family living in the same unit.

Penalties for Public Housing tenants or HCVP Participants Who Commit Fraud Include:

  • Termination from the Program
  • Recapture of over-payments
  • Criminal prosecution
  • Debarment from participating in the Program
 

Penalties for Property Owners Who Commit Fraud Include:

  • Termination of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Contract
  • Recapture of HAP payments
  • Prosecution under federal statutes

RHODE ISLAND LEAD HAZARD REDUCTION RESOURCES

RHODE ISLAND LEAD HAZARD REDUCTION RESOURCES

 

FOR PROPERTY OWNERS

Most houses built before 1978 contain lead-based paint. Lead is poison when it gets into the body. Lead can harm people-especially children and pregnant women. If you own a

house before 1978, resources are available to help you correct lead hazards.

 

CLASSES

RI Housing 401 438-9988 or [email protected]

Childhood Lead Action https://lhas.leadsafekids.org/login.php

 

INFORMATION ON LEAD

EPA (ENGLISH) US DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AGENCY

HTTPS://HEALTH.RI.GOV/PROGRAMS/DETAIL.PHP?PGM

 

EPA (ESPAÑOL) AGENCIA DE PROTECCIÓN AMBIENTAL DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS

EN LA SIGUIENTE PÁGINA EN LA ESQUINA DERECHA DE ARRIBA ESCOJA EL LENGUAJE QUE DESEE

https://health.ri.gov/programs/detail.php?pgm_id=1071#

 

GRANTS, LOANS, AND TAX CREDITS FOR LEAD HAZARD REDUCTION

RI Housing LeadSafe Homes Program The LeadSafe Homes Program provides assistance to remediate lead-paint based hazards inside and outside of the home. In most instances, this assistance

is free, and is available to both single and multi-family properties statewide. More information on the program can be found at leadsafehomesri.com [leadsafehomesri.com], and applicants can apply online

[portal.neighborlysoftware.com] for assistance. Both property owners and renters are encouraged to reach out to RI Housing staff to learn more at [email protected].

There is a Rhode Island personal income tax credit of up to $5,000 per dwelling unit for money spent to correct lead hazards. For the Residential Lead Abatement Income Tax

Credit Form RI-6238, go to Personal Income Tax Forms | RI Division of Taxation and select the RI-6238 form.

City of Providence – Lead Safe Providence Program provides loans to help make properties “leadsafe”. Loans for owner-occupied homes are forgivable after 5 years; loans for non-owner-occupied

properties are forgivable after 10 years.

City of Woonsocket – Lead Hazard Reduction Program is aimed at reducing the risks associated with lead paint in homes and residential units. Households must meet the

following criteria to be eligible: properties must be built prior to 1978, residents must be updated on 2/2023 meet income requirements, children under 6 must reside at or frequently visit the home,

property must be current on taxes and water/sewer bill. Loans awarded by this program are 100% forgivable after 5 years.

• Contact your city/town for more information on local home repair programs.

 

LIST OF LEAD TECHNICIANS AND INSPECTORS

http://www.health.ri.gov/lists/environmentallead/firms/index.php

 

THE LEAD HAZARD MITIGATION ACT REQUIRES THAT MOST OWNERS OF RENTAL

PROPERTIES BUILT BEFORE 1978 MEET THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:

 

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?

 

• Attend a Lead Hazard Awareness Class

• Conduct a visual assessment of your rental property

• Fix lead hazards on your rental property

• Have an Independent Clearance Inspection in order to obtain a Certificate of Conformance for your rental unit(s)

• Give tenants information about lead hazards and a copy of the Inspection Report

• Respond to tenant concerns, perform regular maintenance on your rental unit(s), and keep your Certificate of Conformance current.

 

INDEPENDENT CLEARANCE INSPECTION

 

A licensed R.I. Lead Inspector will examine the painted surfaces of the interior and exterior,

visually inspect the soil, and take at least 3 dust wipes from the unit.

 

Independent Clearance Inspection:

Owners should have taken the Lead Hazard Mitigation Class before ordering the service

A Certificate of Conformance when cleared

Meets the Rhode Island standards.

 

This inspection is typically used for:

Comply with RI Lead Mitigation regulations

Pre-rental compliance

Section 8 Housing

Home Owners Insurance

Inexpensive safety evaluation updated 2/2023

 

What is a Visual Assessment?

Lead Hazard Mitigation Program’s Affidavit of Completion of Visual Inspection application – Per

Rhode Island Gen. Laws § 42-128.1-4(7)(ii) and the lead hazard mitigation standards

established by § 42-128.1-4(6), a Certificate of Lead Conformance (CLC) is valid for two

years or until the next turnover of the dwelling unit, whichever period is shorter. If the tenancy is

two years or more, the Owner or Designated Person may conduct a visual inspection to

determine that lead hazard mitigation compliance was maintained.

Before the two-year Lead Conformance or Mitigation Certification expires and if the same

tenant still resides in the unit, you can perform your own Visual Assessment of the unit and

send it to the Housing Resource Commission. This will be good for another two years at

which time you can perform another Visual Assessment.

If you do not do the visual assessment, then you must pay to have another Lead

Conformance inspection performed or

If you have a tenant turnover then you must get a new Lead Conformance

Certification.

 

What do you have to do to get a Visual Assessment?

1. Download the Affidavit form in English and Spanish.

or you can pick up a copy at the Central Falls Housing Authority.

 

2. Fill out the form and notarize it.

a. Be sure that question 6 includes certification on chipping paint, friction, and no bare

soil within five feet of the property.

b. Question five is the name of the person who performed your inspection, and you will

find the information on the lead conformance certification.

 

3. Attachments to the affidavit:

RIDOH requires the following documentation:

Evidence of completion of the 3 hours Lead Awareness Seminar

Copy of Certificate of Lead Conformance

Any previous Affidavits of Completion of Visual Inspection if you have any.

Copy of the most recent Independent Clearance Inspection if you have one.updated 2/2023.

 

4. Keep a copy, SEND a copy to the CFHA HCV office and submit the original affidavit to the Housing Resource Commission:

RI Department of Health

3 Capitol Hill, Room 206

Providence, RI 02908

Attn: Cindy Singleton

 

5. You should get a copy back confirming the HRC has received it. Call the

Housing Resource Commission if you do not get your confirmation as this will be your

proof of update.

Without stable shelter, everything else falls apart.” – Matthew Desmond

Main Office

30 Washington St, Central Falls, RI 02863

Office Hours

Monday - Friday 08:30 AM - 4:30 PM

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