The Home Repair Program is funded by CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) money from the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. The purpose of the program is to assist qualified homeowners in making needed safety and security repairs to their home. The homeowner must be income qualified, and have owned their home for a minimum of two (2) years.
What are the Benefits
Home Analysis – Our trained staff will analyze your home and work with you to determine what needs to be repaired.
Construction Monitoring – We will help you to monitor the construction work being done and will help you solve any problems that may arise during the construction process.
Contractor Selection – You can use a contractor you already know or you can choose a contractor from our list of qualified contractors who have completed projects similar to yours.
No Monthly Payments – You are not required to make any monthly payments while you own and reside in your home. The loan will be repaid when you sell your property or transfer ownership to someone else.
More Information and Application
To find out how to apply for the Home Repair Program, contact the Program Specialist, Jocelynn Ritchey, at the Lancaster County Redevelopment Authority at (717) 394-0793 ext 210, or complete a short application, mail it or send by email to jritchey@lchra.com, and we will call you to discuss how we can help you.
See the downloads below for the application:
Income Limits
| Number of Persons per Household | 80% Median Income ($) |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | 46,500 |
| 2 Person | 53,150 |
| 3 Person | 59,800 |
| 4 Person | 66,400 |
| 5 Person | 71,750 |
| 6 Person | 77,050 |
| 7 Person | 82,350 |
| 8 Person | 87,650 |
Contact
Jocelynn Ritchey
Program Specialist
Phone Ext. 210
Rebeca Santos
Program Coordinator
Phone Ext. 209
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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 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 $24,999.00. 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 current. 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. Manufactured homes are eligible only if the applicant is the owner of record of the property where the home is located. 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 will be secured against the subject property.
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. Homeowner’s input is welcomed on this inspection. The Technical Services Representative will assist you in obtaining bids from reliable, insured, and licensed contractors and will award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder. The bid accepted must also be within 15% of the Technical Services Representative’s cost estimate for the project. Homeowners are given the choice of which contractors can bid on their renovations and repairs.
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. The total cost of rehabilitation shall not exceed $24,999.00.
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 on a daily basis.
11. HOW DO I APPLY FOR A REHABILITATION LOAN?
One can apply by calling the Program Specialist at (717) 394-0793 Ext. 210. An appointment will be set up for you to determine your eligibility, assist you in filling out the application and explain the program to you in more detail.
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 work load or the weather. The rehabilitation work, however, must begin within twenty days (20) of the construction contract signing and must be completed within ninety (90) days of the contract signing.