Rhode Island FHA Loan Requirements 2026
The 2026 FHA limit is $787,750 in every Rhode Island county. This guide covers FHA credit and down payment rules, mortgage insurance premiums, how FHA compares with a conventional loan in Rhode Island, and how FHA fits with RIHousing.
2026 Rhode Island FHA Loan Limits by County
All five Rhode Island counties are in the Providence-Warwick, RI-MA metro area and share the same 2026 FHA limits.
| County | One Unit | Two Units | Three Units | Four Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bristol | $787,750 | $1,008,450 | $1,219,000 | $1,514,950 |
| Kent | $787,750 | $1,008,450 | $1,219,000 | $1,514,950 |
| Newport | $787,750 | $1,008,450 | $1,219,000 | $1,514,950 |
| Providence | $787,750 | $1,008,450 | $1,219,000 | $1,514,950 |
| Washington | $787,750 | $1,008,450 | $1,219,000 | $1,514,950 |
Source: HUD FHA Mortgage Limits lookup, CY2026.
Rhode Island FHA Loan Requirements
| Requirement | FHA Rule |
|---|---|
| Minimum required investment | At least 3.5% of the adjusted value |
| Credit score 580 or higher | Eligible for maximum financing |
| Credit score 500–579 | Limited to a maximum loan-to-value of 90% |
| Credit score below 500 | Not eligible for FHA-insured financing |
| Loan amount | Up to $787,750 for a one-unit home anywhere in Rhode Island |
Sources: HUD on the minimum required investment and minimum decision credit scores. Lenders can set stricter standards.
FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP)
Every FHA loan carries an upfront mortgage insurance premium of 1.75% of the base loan amount, plus an annual premium paid monthly. HUD’s annual rates for loans with terms over 15 years are:
| Base Loan Amount | LTV | Annual MIP | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| $726,200 or less | 90% or less | 0.50% | 11 years |
| $726,200 or less | Over 90% up to 95% | 0.50% | Mortgage term |
| $726,200 or less | Over 95% | 0.55% | Mortgage term |
| Over $726,200 | 90% or less | 0.70% | 11 years |
| Over $726,200 | Over 90% up to 95% | 0.70% | Mortgage term |
| Over $726,200 | Over 95% | 0.75% | Mortgage term |
Rates and the $726,200 loan-amount tier are shown exactly as published in HUD Mortgagee Letter 2023-05. Ask your lender which rate applies to your loan.
FHA vs. Conventional in Rhode Island
| Feature | FHA | Conventional |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 one-unit limit in Rhode Island | $787,750 | $832,750 |
| Minimum down payment | 3.5% | 3%–20% |
| Typical minimum credit | 580 | 620 |
| Mortgage insurance | Upfront 1.75% plus annual MIP | Private mortgage insurance when you put down less than 20% |
FHA often suits buyers with lower credit scores or small down payments. Buyers with stronger credit may pay less with a conventional loan, which also allows a larger loan in Rhode Island.
Combining FHA with RIHousing
RIHousing lists a maximum loan amount of $787,750 for its non-MRB and FHA refinance programs, and offers Homebuyer Renovation Loans under FHA’s 203(k) program, which combine the purchase and renovation costs in one mortgage with 100% financing and closing cost assistance available.
RIHousing’s down payment assistance requires a RIHousing-funded first mortgage, and RIHousing notes there may be restrictions on which loan products can be paired with 15kDPA. Ask your loan originator which combinations are available. Details: RIHousing.
