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Pawtucket Housing Authority

Program Details

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, also known as Section 8, is a federally funded rental assistance program that helps very low-income families, older adults, and individuals with disabilities afford safe, decent, and sanitary housing in the private rental market. 

Unlike traditional public housing, the HCV Program allows participants to choose a rental unit that best meets their family's needs, provided the unit meets HUD program requirements and the landlord agrees to participate.

The PHA administers the HCV Program locally under regulations established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

How the Program Works

  1. Eligible families receive a Housing Choice Voucher.
  2. The family searches for a rental unit in the private market.
  3. The landlord agrees to participate in the HCV Program.
  4. The unit must pass a HUD-required inspection to ensure it meets NSPIRE.
  5. Once approved, the PHA enters into a Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract with the owner.
  6. The PHA pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord, and the family pays the remaining approved tenant portion.

PHA Responsibilities

  • Determining applicant eligibility for the HCV Program.
  • Explaining program requirements and participant responsibilities.
  • Issuing Housing Choice Vouchers to eligible families.
  • Reviewing and approving eligible rental units.
  • Conducting required inspections to ensure units meet HUD standards.
  • Making Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) to landlords in a timely manner.
  • Completing annual recertifications and interim reviews.
  • Monitoring continued eligibility and compliance with HUD regulations.
  • Assisting families and landlords with questions regarding the program.
  • Providing courteous, professional, and timely customer service.

Need Assistance?

If you have questions about the Housing Choice Voucher Program, please contact the PHA’s HCV Department. Our staff is available to help explain program requirements, answer questions, and guide both families and landlords through the process.

HCV Staff Directory

Admissions Staff

Maria Pina
Housing Data Clerk
(401) 721-6016
mpina@pawthousing.org
Maria Vega
Applications Manager
(401) 721-6022
mvega@pawthousing.org

HCV Participant Staff

Most Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) participants are assigned to a Program Representative based on the first letter of their last name. However, some participants are assigned based on their landlord. Please refer to the directory below to find your assigned Program Representative.
A – L
Adriana Quintero
HCV Program Representative
(401) 721-6019
maquintero@pawthousing.org
M – Z
Vanina Guardia
HCV Program Representative
(401) 721-6023
vguardia@pawthousing.org
Annmarie McVay
Portability
(401) 721-6018
annmarie@pawthousing.org
Paula Gauthier
Supervisor of Housing Management
(401) 721-6013
pgauthier@pawthousing.org
Elisabeth Deandrade-Phillips
FSS
(401) 721-6052
ephillips@pawthousing.org

Participants

Welcome to the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) Participant page. Here you will find helpful resources, important program information, and documents to support you throughout your participation in the Housing Choice Voucher Program.

Our goal is to provide clear, accessible information while delivering respectful, responsive, and transparent service. If you have questions or need assistance, our staff is here to help you navigate the program and maintain your housing assistance.

Resident Portal

View your balance, pay rent, update contact information, submit work order requests and more.
Open Resident Portal

Participant Documents

30 Day Vacate Form Certification of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault or Stalking (HUD-5382) Fair Housing How Your Rent is Calculated Notice of Occupancy Rights under the Violence Against Women Act (HUD-5380)
Payment Standards Portability Protect Your Family from Lead Tenant Obligations Utility Allowances What is EIV?

Frequently Asked Questions

You are responsible for finding your own rental unit. The unit must pass a HUD inspection, meet program requirements, and have rent approved by the PHA. Your prospective landlord must complete a Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA).

Your voucher includes an expiration date. If you need additional time, you must request an extension before your voucher expires. Extensions are granted in accordance with PHA policy and HUD regulations.

Most families pay approximately 30% to 40% of their adjusted monthly income toward rent and utilities. The PHA pays the remaining approved portion directly to the landlord.

A Utility Allowance is an estimated amount for tenant-paid utilities that is used when calculating your share of the rent.

You must:
  • Pay your portion of the rent on time.
  • Keep your unit clean and in good condition.
  • Report required changes in income, assets, and household composition within 10 days.
  • Receive PHA approval before adding anyone to your household.
  • Allow required inspections.
  • Follow your lease and HCV program requirements.

Each year, the PHA reviews your household income, assets, expenses, and family composition to determine your continued eligibility and rent.

Yes. Report changes in income, employment, assets, or household members within 10 days. You must receive PHA approval before adding anyone to your household.

HUD requires inspections using the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) to ensure your home is safe, sanitary, and in good condition.

Required repairs must be completed within the timeframe established by the PHA. Failure to correct deficiencies may affect housing assistance payments.

Yes. Before moving, you must notify your Program Representative, comply with your lease, and receive PHA approval.

Portability allows eligible participants to transfer their Housing Choice Voucher to another PHA's jurisdiction. Contact your Program Representative before making plans to move.

Program fraud includes intentionally failing to report income, allowing unauthorized household members, providing false information, or not living in the assisted unit. Fraud may result in repayment of assistance, termination from the program, and legal action.

Contact your Program Representative immediately if you receive an eviction notice or court papers.

A Reasonable Accommodation is a change to a policy, practice, or procedure that provides a person with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in the HCV Program. Requests may be made at any time.

Eligible families may qualify for the Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program if it is offered by the PHA, funding is available, and HUD requirements are met.
Contact the PHA for additional information.

Landlords

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) offers landlords a reliable partnership with the Pawtucket Housing Authority (PHA). Through the program, the PHA pays a portion of the monthly rent directly to participating landlords, while the tenant pays their required share.

Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) are made monthly, providing owners with a dependable source of rental income. The HCVP is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and helps connect qualified families with safe, decent, and affordable housing throughout the community.

Why Participate?

Participating landlords enjoy several benefits, including:
  • Reliable monthly Housing Assistance Payments (HAP)
  • Access to a large pool of voucher holders seeking housing
  • Quality standards inspections conducted to ensure the unit remains in good repair
  • Ongoing support from knowledgeable PHA staff
  • No cost to participate
  • Opportunity to provide quality affordable housing within the community

How the Program Works

  1. A family receives a Housing Choice Voucher.
  2. The family searches for a rental unit that meets program requirements.
  3. The landlord should screen and select the tenant using the same criteria applied to all applicants.
  4. The unit is inspected to ensure it meets housing quality standards.
  5. The landlord and tenant sign a lease which must include HCVP Tenancy Addendum.
  6. The PHA and landlord execute a Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Contract.
  7. The PHA begins making monthly housing assistance payments directly to the landlord.

Most participating families contribute approximately 30–40% of their adjusted monthly income toward rent and utilities, while the PHA pays the remaining approved subsidy directly to the owner.

Landlord Portal

View payment details, upcoming & completed inspections, update contact information and more.
Open Landlord Portal

Landlord Documents

Direct Deposit Form Fair Housing Equal Opportunity For All Lead Disclosure Form Lead Poisoning Information Owner Notification of VAWA
Preparing for NSPIRE Inspection RI Landlord/Tenant Handbook Violence Against Women Act (VAWA 11/2016) W-9 Form

Owner Responsibilities

Participating owners agree to:
  • Maintain the unit in accordance with NSPIRE.
  • Perform owner-required repairs in a timely manner.
  • Comply with the lease and Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Contract.
  • Notify the PHA of changes in ownership, management, or tenancy.
  • Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local housing laws.
  • Charge only the rent approved by the PHA.

Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity

Owners participating in the HCVP must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local Fair Housing laws.
Housing providers may not discriminate against applicants or tenants based on:
  • Race
  • Color
  • National Origin
  • Religion
  • Sex
  • Disability
  • Familial Status
  • Age or any other protected class under applicable law

Landlords should apply the same screening criteria and rental standards to all applicants. Maintaining consistent screening practices and proper documentation helps ensure compliance with Fair Housing requirements.

Reasonable Accommodations & Modifications

Owners must comply with Fair Housing requirements regarding persons with disabilities.

When required by law, owners must permit reasonable modifications to the dwelling, generally at the family's expense unless otherwise required by law. If you own units that are accessible or adaptable for individuals with disabilities, please notify the PHA so we can assist families in locating appropriate housing.

Program Integrity

The vast majority of participating owners comply with program requirements and provide quality housing for voucher families.
The PHA is committed to helping owners understand program requirements and avoid violations through education, communication, and technical assistance.

Owner Violations

The following actions may result in sanctions or termination from the HCVP:
  • Failing to maintain the unit in compliance with NSPIRE.
  • Collecting rent or payments that have not been approved by the PHA.
  • Accepting Housing Assistance Payments for a unit that is vacant.
  • Failing to notify the PHA when a tenant vacates the unit.
  • Charging or demanding additional rent or side payments from the tenant.
  • Providing false or misleading information to the PHA.
  • Violating the terms of the HAP Contract.

Questions?

The HCV staff is available to assist current and prospective landlords with leasing units, inspections, contracts, payments, and program requirements.
Contact the PHA Housing Choice Voucher Department for assistance with becoming a participating landlord or with questions regarding your existing HAP contract.

Available Listings

Important Listing Disclaimer

These listings are provided as a courtesy and are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pawtucket Housing Authority. Availability and listing information may change without notice.

Be cautious of rental scams and never send money or personal information before verifying a listing. Learn how to recognize and avoid rental scams .

Studio and 1 Bedroom Apartments

Contact Phone Address Date Listed
Maria Vega 401-721-6000 Park St. Continuous Availability—Waitlist
PCFD 401-726-1173 Scattered Units Continuous Availability—Waitlist
David 401-345-0400 454 Smithfield Ave.

2 Bedroom Apartments

Contact Phone Address Date Listed
Maria Vega 401-721-6000 Park St. Continuous Availability—Waitlist
PCFD 401-726-1173 Scattered Units Continuous Availability—Waitlist
Jayde 401-548-6918 191–193 Sisson St.
Montes Property 401-654-1789 31 Collins Ave.
Greg 401-408-8809 59 Anthony Ave.

3 Bedroom Apartments

Landlord Phone Address Date Listed
PCFD 401-726-1173 Scattered Units Continuous Availability—Waitlist
Jaylnn 401-649-9636 342 Broadway
Nick/Rachel 401-365-2970 159 Warren Ave.
Luis 401-288-7884 45 Everett St.

4 Bedroom Apartments

Landlord Phone Address Date Listed
PCFD 401-726-1173 Scattered Site Continuous Availability—Waitlist
Diane 347-414-0701 34 Woodland St.