March 01, 2006
LAHD Rehab Grants & Loans
My house is a historic landmark. It is in need of exterior painting, as well as some other interior preservation. Is it possible for me to apply for a grant to get these things taken care of?
Unfortunately, direct funding for the rehabilitation of 'historic' homes and buildings is generally hard to come by. Either there is just too little money to go around, or governments/organizations do not perceive such programs as having great value to a community. There are, however, a few grant and loan programs available for the rehabilitation of homes in general - assuming you qualify - among other tax-based incentives.
Most of these programs are administered through local housing agencies with funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Similar programs may also be available from the local Neighborhood Housing Services organization. Nearly all are intended for low-income residents, or for properties in designated redevelopment areas.
In Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Housing Department offers several financial assistance programs to eligible homeowners. These include:
- COMPREHENSIVE SINGLE FAMILY REHABILITATION PROGRAM
This program provides 3%, no-payment (deferred) loans for low-income, owner-occupied, single-family homeowners who want to rehabilitate/renovate their homes. There is a grant of up to $10,000 available for lead paint hazard removal and/or exterior improvements for eligible owners. Eligible improvements are focused on making plumbing, roofing, heating, electrical and other repairs that extend the life of the structure. MOM & POP PROGRAM
This loan program provides 3%, no-payment (deferred) loans for low-income, owner-occupied small rental buildings (2-4 units). A grant of up to $10,000 per unit is also available for lead paint hazard removal and/or exterior improvements. The goal of this program is to provide funds to owners to correct Systematic Code Enforcement Program (SCEP) citations and to make other habitability improvements. SMALL RENTAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM
This program provides 3%, fully amortized loans to owners of primarily low-income occupied rental properties up to 28 units to correct Systematic Code Enforcement Program (SCEP) citations and to make other habitability improvements. Grants of up to $5,000 per unit for lead paint hazard removal and/or visible exterior improvements are also available. HANDYWORKER PROGRAM
The Handyworker Program provides free minor home repairs to low income senior (62 years and older) or disabled resident homeowners or homeowners with disabled relatives residing with them. Income limits apply. Emergency repairs that directly affect the health and safety of occupants are also provided to other homeowners if their income does not exceed the limits (regardless of age or disability status). Eligible repairs are limited to work that does not require a City building permit or formal inspection.
For more information on these programs, call the LA Housing Department at (213) 808-8802 (808-8803 for the Handyworker Program) or visit http://www.lacity.org/LAHD/. LAHD also offers financial assistance to new homebuyers and developers interested in low-income housing opportunities.
Other financial incentives for historic preservation are available through local Mills' Act programs, the Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Incentive program, and Preservation Easements. For more information on these programs and others, visit http://www.preservela.com/archives/000771.html and http://www.preservela.com/archives/000465.html for prior PreserveLA postings on these subjects.
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