Section 8 of the Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. § 1437f), often called "Section 8" is a government funded program designed to assist low income individuals/families in being able to afford clean and safe housing.

The amount of rent supplemented for the section 8 housing recipient(s) may vary based on certain factors such as income, zip code and number of dependents. A property's rental rate must also therefore align with these basic standards. If the offered market rent exceeds this ratio, it is automatically disqualified from being eligible in the housing assistance program. It is of course important to remember that "everything is negotiable" ! As such, we encourage reasonable cooperation between landlords and tenants whenever possible.

If a unit is available to rent to section 8 recipients, we will clearly indicate so in all of our ads.

Here at Zen Real Estate Group we are in full support of the mission of the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity and remain fully compliant with the Federal Fair Housing Practices Act and the Rhode Island Fair Housing Laws.

Our systems are purposefully designed to remain in step with the fair housing mission,in compliance with local and federal laws and with awareness of equity for both Landlords and Tenants alike.

Every parcel and structure in Rhode Island has been applied a valuation intended to establish general worth of a property. This "assessment" or property value has been established through an appraisal process, typically facilitated by the local municipality.

It is important to remember that the tax assessed value is primarily established as a means to determine how much property taxes the owner of the parcel will pay. The value established by the tax assessor is typically not appropriate for establishing market value which is how much a property should be expected to sell for if placed on the market for sale. For this purpose, a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) should be performed by one of our agents.

Access Rhode Island's Tax Assessor database by clicking here.

We keep a very busy schedule maintaining the safety and quality of our units.  To achieve this, we often will need to obtain access to a unit to conduct an inspection or perform maintenance.

We understand that these intrusions can at times be an inconvenience to our residents and to their rightful enjoyment of the dwelling.  We therefore give careful consideration for ensuring that proper notice is provided through at least two modes of communications (when available).

Once proper notice is provided, it is up to the resident to report back to management if a scheduled visit to the unit needs to be changed.  Our team will always do our best to accommodate these requests however there are at times where obtaining access to a unit is absolutely critical to maintaining proper safety and security of the dwelling and its occupants as a whole.

If we are denied access to the unit or the unit or, is not ready to be serviced under these circumstances, we will need to reschedule our team members or vendors.  This often adds a financial burden to the owner.  As such, that burden is passed to the resident in the form of a "fee" .

"Denial of access fees" will always be clearly communicated with our residents with each and every visit to the unit.  If there are no fees communicated, none will be charged.

Even with full time agents on staff, one of the most difficult aspects of listing a property for rent is coordinating a showing. Many schedules must align and of course all parties must show. Rently perfects both aspects and allows prospective tenants secure and self directed access 7 days a week, 7:00am to 7:00pm.

User feedback on this process has been super positive and very well received! Although the process may be fairly new to the Rhode Island housing market, we often find that tenants actually prefer going through the property on their own.

When requesting self-directed showings, tenants will be provided with a brief authentication process. During this process, tenants must verify identity and present a valid (non-prepaid) credit/debit card. Upon successful verification, prospective tenants will be presented with a one-time-use code valid only during the day/time requested during the authentication process. Prospective tenants will be granted access during the verified day/time and must complete a brief condition survey upon entering and exiting property.

If you are a resident of a property of which we are currently managing, you can pay rent in four ways:

1. Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT):  This is set up through your portal and transfers funds from your account to ours.  Note that when setup, we do not have any access to account information and money can only be transferred when you initiate it.   The cost for this service is free.
2. Credit/Debit: This option is set up through your portal.  Note that when setup, we do not have any access to account information and money can only be transferred when you initiate it.  The cost for this service is typically 2.75% of the transaction amount.
3. Mail:  Rent can be mailed to Zen Real Estate Group, 2980 West Shore Road, Suite #1A, Warwick Rhode Island 02886.  The fee for processing rent paid by check is $2.00.  The fee for processing rent by money order/cashiers check is free.
4. Drop Off:  Rent can be hand delivered to Zen Real Estate Group, 2980 West Shore Road, Suite #1A, Warwick Rhode Island 02886.  Please leave item in one of our secure drop boxes (located outside each main entrance door) in an envelope with your name and unit #.  The fee for processing rent paid by check is $2.00.  The fee for processing rent by money order/cashiers check is free.

NOTE:  No cash will be accepted under any circumstances.