for cities and towns
Help for Local Residents
In order for residents to become active, contributing members of their communities, they need to feel confident and secure in their homes. Rhode Island Housing provides a wide range of products and services to help homeowners, renters and landlords afford their homes:
• Safe, low-interest mortgages for homebuyers
• Home-repair and home-equity loans for homeowners, including loans specifically designated for septic repairs and removal of lead paint
• Apartments with supportive services to help residents stay in their homes
• Assistance for homeowners facing the potential loss of their homes
• Reverse mortgages
Madeline Walker Act
The Madeline Walker Act of 2006 is named after an 81-year-old Providence woman who was evicted from her home in December 2005 because she had unknowingly failed pay a sewer bill of $496. Under the law, effective January 1, 2007, cities, towns, and other taxing authorities are required to notify Rhode Island Housing of delinquent liens well in advance of tax sales.
Rhode Island Housing will then investigate the factors that have led to the failure to pay the liens and take steps to keep the individuals in their homes. The legislation also authorizes cities and towns to sell all of their delinquent liens to Rhode Island Housing, which will then work to help the homeowners keep their homes.
This achieves several goals. The taxing entities receive the funds they are due and Rhode Island Housing provides homeowners with counseling, financial assistance and education to help keep them in their homes. Or, if moving turns out to be the only viable option, we work to ensure the homeowners can find a healthy and safe home that they can afford.
In order for residents to become active, contributing members of their communities, they need to feel confident and secure in their homes. Rhode Island Housing provides a wide range of products and services to help homeowners, renters and landlords afford their homes:
• Safe, low-interest mortgages for homebuyers
• Home-repair and home-equity loans for homeowners, including loans specifically designated for septic repairs and removal of lead paint
• Apartments with supportive services to help residents stay in their homes
• Assistance for homeowners facing the potential loss of their homes
• Reverse mortgages
Madeline Walker Act
The Madeline Walker Act of 2006 is named after an 81-year-old Providence woman who was evicted from her home in December 2005 because she had unknowingly failed pay a sewer bill of $496. Under the law, effective January 1, 2007, cities, towns, and other taxing authorities are required to notify Rhode Island Housing of delinquent liens well in advance of tax sales.
Rhode Island Housing will then investigate the factors that have led to the failure to pay the liens and take steps to keep the individuals in their homes. The legislation also authorizes cities and towns to sell all of their delinquent liens to Rhode Island Housing, which will then work to help the homeowners keep their homes.
This achieves several goals. The taxing entities receive the funds they are due and Rhode Island Housing provides homeowners with counseling, financial assistance and education to help keep them in their homes. Or, if moving turns out to be the only viable option, we work to ensure the homeowners can find a healthy and safe home that they can afford.
-Madeline Walker Bill - Frequently Asked Questions
-Tax Sale Process
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