The Housing Repair Assistance Program provides interest-free, deferred loans to eligible homeowners to make needed improvements to homes in 21 local communities (Clinton Township, Roseville, St. Clair Shores, Sterling Heights and Warren manage their own programs). 

Although funding levels may vary on an annual basis, up to $8,000 can be made available for emergency repairs and up to $20,000 can be borrowed for other eligible improvements.  These loans are interest-free and are paid back to the county only when property ownership changes hands (for instance, when the home is sold or transferred to heirs). 

Strict eligibility standards are in place including:
     + The home must be a single-family dwelling in a Macomb County          community (other than Clinton Township, Roseville, St. Clair Shores,          Sterling Heights or Warren)
     + The home must be owned and occupied by the applicant and be currently          covered by homeowners insurance and, if applicable, flood insurance
     + The homeowner must not be deliquent on property taxes
     + The property in question may NOT be a manufactured home or a rental          property
     + The homeowner must have a household income at or below the federally          defined income limits:

Income Eligibility
Family Size	Moderate Income
1	$39,150
2	$44,750
3	$50,350
4	$55,900
5	$60,400
6	$64,850
7	$69,350
8	$73,800

 

Generally speaking, repairs that make a home “decent, safe and sanitary” as defined by federal housing quality standards and local housing codes are eligible including:
     + Heating and items to enhance energy efficiency including replacement          windows, new vinyl siding as well as replacement entrance and storm          doors
     + Plumbing and sanitary fixtures
     + Electrical work
     + Replacement roofs
     + Tap-in fees and water service
     + Septic systems and wells 
     
CDS staff provide assistance throughout the process including:
     + Application preparation
     + Determining eligibility of homeowner(s)
     + Inspecting properties to uncover eligible repairs and developing cost         estimates
     + Assisting in the contractor bidding process
     + Preparing a construction contract+ Follow-up inspections to ensure         contract compliance

 

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