R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 45-25 § 45-25-18.3
Membership of board
Operative Text
(a) The board shall consist of no fewer than eight (8) persons. One-half (½) of the members shall be elected from among the tenants occupying housing projects. Each housing project, if there is more than one, shall elect at least two (2) representatives. The remaining members of the board shall be appointed by the mayor in the case of a city or the council in the case of a town, from residents of the neighborhoods in which the projects are located. The member or members of the city or town council and the senator and representative representing the housing project shall be notified of and may attend all board meetings. (b) The terms of all members shall be for two (2) years and no person shall serve more than two (2) consecutive terms. All those members first appointed shall serve terms of one year, and all those members first elected shall serve terms of two (2) years. Thereafter, the term of office for all members, whether appointed or elected, shall be two (2) years.
Rhode Island General Laws § 45-25-18.3 establishes the composition and term structure of a local housing authority board. At least half of the board's members must be tenants elected from within the housing projects themselves, while the remaining members are appointed by local government officials from surrounding neighborhoods. Board members serve two-year terms, with a limit of two consecutive terms, and local elected officials representing the area are entitled to receive notice of and attend all board meetings.
Plain English — not legal advice.
As a housing authority operator or property manager subject to § 45-25-18.3, compliant governance means ensuring that board composition reflects the required balance between tenant-elected representatives and mayoral or council appointees. Operators generally maintain records of elections held within each housing project to confirm that at least two representatives are chosen per project when multiple projects exist. Keeping local council members, state senators, and representatives informed of upcoming board meetings is also part of standard compliance with this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 45-25-18.3, tenants living in Rhode Island housing projects have a structural right to elect at least half of the governing board's membership, with each project electing a minimum of two representatives. This means tenants collectively hold meaningful formal influence over board decisions through the electoral process established by this provision. Tenants who believe the election process has not been properly followed may raise the issue with their local housing authority, contact a tenant-rights organization, or bring the matter to the attention of their local elected officials, who are themselves entitled to attend board meetings under this same provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 15, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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