Whole Home Repairs Programs

Effective March 5, 2024 - The Whole Home Repairs Program Waitlist is Closed

Due to high demand for assistance through the Whole Home Repairs Program the waitlist is closed indefinitely. 

If you are experiencing issues related to your sewage system (inclusing an active backup), a lack of water (not due to non-payment), HVAC system (lack of heat or air conditioning if home already has air conditioning), or electrical system (exposed wiring, sparks in outlets, or water backed up in electrical box), or you are facing a condemnation from your municipalitiy and/or have active code violations (provide documentation of violations). Please contact Noemi at 717.394.0793 Ext. 220 or [email protected].

The Lancaster County ARPA Whole-Home Repairs Program

The purpose of this program is to assist qualified Lancaster County homeowners, including Lancaster City residents, in making needed safety and security repairs to their homes.

Depending on residency and program eligibility up to $25,000 is available as a grant, and for county residents outside of Lancaster City, an additional $25,000 is available as a deferred payment, zero percent interest loan.

Application Process for Home Repair Programs

All interested applicants must first complete a pre-eligibility survey to assist staff in administering the program.  Once staff have reviewed and approved the pre-eligibility form they will contact you to complete the program application.

If you have an emergency repair need or for more information please contact Noemi Martinez, Home Repair Programs Assistant, at the Lancaster County Redevelopment Authority, at 717.394.0793 Ext. 220 or [email protected].

Income Limits

Median Family Income for Lancaster County

Fiscal Year 2023 Income Limit Category

Persons in Family

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

$90,200

30% (Extremely Low Income)

20,100

22,950

25,800

28,650

30,950

33,250

35,550

37,850

50% (Very Low Income)

33,450

38,200

43,000

47,750

51,600

55,400

59,250

63,050

80% Low Income

53,500

61,156

68,800

76,400

82,550

88,650

94,750

100,850

Home Repair Program - Frequently Asked Questions:

1. WHAT IS A HOME REPAIR LOAN AND WHAT ARE THE TERMS?
It is a deferred loan from the Redevelopment Authority of Lancaster County funded by HUD through the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to rehabilitate owner-occupied homes. The interest rate is 0% and you do not have to make monthly payments. Funds are returned to the Redevelopment Authority at the time of sale, transfer of the property or refinancing for other than a lower interest rate or lesser term.

2. HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR A LOAN?
Property owners must meet the eligibility requirements based on family size and income. Owners must occupy their residence year-round and must own the property in fee simple title, (the deed must be in their name). The current homeowner must have owned the home for a minimum of two (2) years prior to the initial interview. The maximum value of a home cannot exceed $400,000.00.

3. HOW MUCH MAY I BORROW?
A Home Repair Loan may be for the amount needed to rehabilitate the property, up to a maximum of $25,000.00. Additionally, the cost for required rehabilitation items shall be at least $5,000.00.

4. WHAT OTHER RESTRICTIONS OR PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS APPLY?
Owners must carry homeowner’s insurance on their property and have all real estate taxes paid. An owner’s liquid assets cannot exceed $35,000 (unless over age 62) and properties must be located in Lancaster County, but outside of Lancaster City limits. The program also requires that owners must meet the minimum home equity amount based on the amount of rehabilitation needed. If you own a manufactured home, a separate program has been established to assist the owners of manufactured homes in leased land communities.

5. WILL A LIEN OR MORTGAGE BE PLACED ON MY PROPERTY?
A mortgage or title lien will be secured against the subject property depending on the program. Program staff is happy to provide more information about the lien terms.

6. WHO DECIDES WHAT WORK IS NEEDED?
The Redevelopment Authority Rehabilitation staff will survey your property and advise you on the work required to meet program standards. The homeowner’s input is welcomed on this inspection. The Technical Services Representative will assist in obtaining bids from reliable, insured, and licensed contractors and will award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder.

7. WHAT KIND OF REPAIRS OR WORK CAN I HAVE DONE?
Financing will be provided for the cost of addressing hazardous situations within major systems in the home, such as (list major repairs here) The total cost of rehabilitation shall not exceed $25,000.00, except in special circumstances approved by the Board of the Redevelopment Authority.

8. WHAT IF THE FUNDS ARE NOT ENOUGH TO BRING MY HOME UP TO THESE STANDARDS?
A determination will be made that the property’s equity justifies the rehabilitation within the allotted loan maximum limits.

9. WHEN IS A CONTRACT SIGNED WITH A HOME REPAIR CONTRACTOR?
Only after your Application and Rehabilitation Loan has been approved by the Redevelopment Authority Staff.

10. WHO INSPECTS THE WORK?
The Redevelopment Authority staff, and the homeowner will see that the work is done in a proper and workmanlike manner. Homeowners approve the work write-up and are given this write-up and the contract to follow the repairs.

12. HOW AND WHEN IS THE CONTRACTOR PAID?
The contractor will be paid in draws according to the contract signed. He is paid for the work that has been satisfactorily completed by checks prepared by the Redevelopment Authority. The contractor will not be paid until you, the owner, are satisfied and until the Technical Services Representative certifies the work has been done according to the contract and work write-up.

13. MAY LANDLORDS APPLY FOR THIS LOAN?
Mixed-use properties are not eligible for assistance. Investor-owners may apply for Rental Rehabilitation Program funds also through the Redevelopment Authority.

14. CAN I PAY ON THIS HOME REPAIR LOAN AT ANYTIME WITHOUT PENALTY?
Yes, the loan can be paid off sooner, but the deferred loan is intended to be repaid when the property is sold, or ownership is transferred.

15. HOW LONG DOES THE REHABILITATION PROCESS TAKE?
The amount of time depends on several things: 1.) Your ability to provide eligibility items for our office, such as proof of income, deed, insurance, taxes; and 2.) The amount of work that is necessary to address the hazardous situations; and 3.) Other circumstances, such as our office’s workload, material shortages, or the weather.