Policy Changes
Department of Inspections and Standards (DIS)
The Department of Inspections and Standards (DIS) promotes the general health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the City of Providence through the enforcement of City, State and Federal codes relating to buildings and properties.
Under EveryHome, the City has worked proactively to update DIS policies that have resulted in heavier and more comprehensive noticing. For instance, DIS now requires all parties involved in the sale of a property to acknowledge housing violations and abate them within a standard timeframe.
Housing Court
The City Prosecutors in Housing Court enforce the municipal ordinances and state laws governing minimum residential requirements, code enforcement, zoning and building laws to safeguard public health and safety without impairing property ownership.
Under EveryHome, The City has worked proactively to update Housing Court policies that have resulted in the prevention of some pre-foreclosure properties from falling into vacancy and eventual disrepair. For instance, prosecutors now name mortgage holders as defendants alongside homebuyers.
City-Petitioned Receivership
EveryHome brings to scale a program where court-appointed receivers oversee the rehabilitation of properties deemed a public nuisance in need of repair. If neither a property owner nor the bank takes responsibility for abating the code violations, a judge can appoint a receiver who will oversee the rehabilitation of the property. Receivership is used as a last resort to address the worst cases of vacant and abandoned properties.
Financial Tools
Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance
Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance is a deferred-payment loan to cover down-payment or closing costs. The Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance program is scheduled to launch on January 15, 2018. Funding is limited and will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis to eligible households.
Assistance is available to homebuyers that meet HUD income limits who purchase a 1-3 family home or condominium. Loans are affordability-restricted and properties must be the owners’ primary residences. Loans are forgivable for those who can commit to staying in the property for at least five years.
Applications are available online through the Housing Network of Rhode Island or in person by visiting the Housing Action Coalition of RI at 1070 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI.
Learn More about Housing Network of RI
Home Repair Loans
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)-funded Home Repair Loan Program helps qualified homeowners to perform a variety of home improvement projects, including emergency roof replacements, heating system replacements (in some cases, clients living without heat) and correction of code violations.
All funding assistance is in the form of a 0% interest, deferred payment loan for up to $25,000. Payment becomes due upon sale, change of primary residence, refinancing with cash out, debt consolidation or transfer of the property title.
Funds are limited and applications for the Home Repair Program are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis unless an emergency situation exists that warrants prioritization (ex. no heat, no running water).
Applications are available online through the City’s Division of Community Development or in person by visiting the Joseph A. Doorley, Jr. Municipal Building at 444 Westminster Street, Providence, RI.
Lead Safe Providence Program (LSPP)
The City of Providence provides loans to make properties “lead-safe.” Loans for owner-occupied homes are forgivable after five years; loans for non-owner occupied properties are forgivable after ten years.
Applications are available online through the City’s Division of Community Development or in person by visiting the Joseph A. Doorley, Jr. Municipal Building at 444 Westminster Street, Providence, RI.
Federal Funds
Strategic investments of federal funds are being made to rehabilitate, demolish and/or redevelop vacant and abandoned properties to support viable redevelopment. CDBG and HOME funds continue to be used for-
- Substantial rehabilitation,
- Demolition to remove blight and hazards in neighborhoods, and/or
- New construction of affordable housing on vacant lots.
Providence Redevelopment Agency (PRA)
Special Redevelopment Plan
The Providence Redevelopment Agency (PRA) fosters neighborhood revitalization by acquiring underutilized, developable properties and returning it to productive use.
The Special Redevelopment Plan authorizes the PRA to facilitate the redevelopment of hundreds of vacant and likely abandoned properties throughout the City of Providence. It authorizes the PRA to acquire these properties and later pair with developers who will renovate them; thereby increasing the City’s housing stock and improving conditions for properties in their vicinity.
