Home repair
Federal funding for home repair and accessibility modifications
Improving the physical condition of homes can be an important component of a local strategy to maintain an adequate housing supply. Investing in the physical condition of housing is particularly vital in communities with a large stock of older homes, which may otherwise fall into disrepair.
Repairing hazards in the home, such as exposed wires or leaky roofs, can improve the health and safety of occupants. Installing accessibility modifications, such as grab bars and stair-free entrances, can make it easier for older adults to remain in their homes as they age and help ensure the homes meet the needs of people with disabilities. These investments can also help stabilize property values, benefiting the homeowner and the surrounding neighborhood.
Note that most of the programs listed here primarily serve owner-occupied homes or small multifamily properties. Larger multifamily properties typically undergo physical repairs as part of an affordability preservation process. For more information, see the Rental Preservation and Rehab category.
Prioritizing applications based on need and population. While most federal funding for home repair comes with certain income requirements, localities often have significant leeway to target these resources, particularly when using more flexible funding streams like the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME). Localities’ local housing needs assessments should drive the prioritization criteria. For example, some localities prioritize home repairs that have led to a code violation to help occupants maintain stable housing. Other localities make funds available to seniors to facilitate aging in place.
Helping homeowners comply with lead safety regulations. Federal and many state regulations require contractors to follow certain safety protocols when working in homes that may have lead-based paint, even if the work is unrelated to lead removal. For some types of projects, contractors must have specialized training. Since home repair programs tend to target individual homeowners, applicants may be unaware of these requirements or struggle to find certified contractors. Localities must understand and communicate these requirements to applicants and, if possible, provide homeowners with a list of qualified contractors.
Pairing home repairs and modifications with energy efficiency upgrades. It can be beneficial to complete home repairs and accessibility modifications at the same time as other upgrades, such as installing energy-efficient appliances. (See the Energy Efficiency category for more information on weatherization programs). Completing multiple home projects simultaneously can minimize disruption to homeowners and help reduce labor costs. Jurisdictions can consider offering a streamlined application so owners can secure funds for energy efficiency upgrades, lead hazard remediation, and other home repairs concurrently.
For more information on this topic, see these briefs on Lead Abatement, Assistance for Home Safety Modifications, and Homeowner Rehabilitation Assistance Programs.