Each year the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awards the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to the City of Auburn to improve Auburn's neighborhoods. The CDBG funds the Home Repair Assistance Program (HRAP), which allows the City of Auburn to address the housing improvement needs which have been identified within the City's neighborhoods and preserve the City's housing stock. This program provides loans primarily to owner occupants, and occasionally to investors, for rehabilitation to address major code violations and
lead-based paint hazards. The HRAP is administered by the Office of Planning and Economic Development, with assistance from Cayuga County Homsite Development Corp.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA - OWNER OCCUPIED & INVESTOR OWNED PROPERTIES
· The home and property must be owner occupied (applicant must own and live there) or owned by a landlord and located within the City of Auburn. Landlords must own the property and be willing to rent to low income tenants for the term of the loan.
· Proof of ownership must be on file at the Cayuga County Clerk's Office, and the owner must provide the City of Auburn with a copy of the deed.
· The owner (and tenants, if applicable) must be within the income limits as stated below and must provide current copies of acceptable proof of income to the City of Auburn.
· Property taxes must be current, and credit must be acceptable. The City of Auburn will complete a tax search and a credit report.
· The owner must have fire insurance coverage on the property and flood insurance where applicable and must provide a copy of the insurance certificate(s) to the City of Auburn.
· The owner must agree to sign a mortgage (terms dependent on income) with the City of Auburn for the amount of the cost of the rehabilitation work to the property.
· This program is designed to correct code violations. The house must have violations of the City of Auburn Housing Code and/or New York State Uniform Fire Preservation and Building Code.
· The program is available for permanent structures only. Mobile homes on rented lots, land contracts and those without permanent foundations are NOT eligible for this program.
The work activities which must be addressed first are major code violations and substandard conditions, as well as lead-based paint hazards. Second priority will be given to improvements to the exterior to eliminate negative neighborhood impacts. Other work activities may be eligible after the major code violations, substandard conditions and blighting influences have been eliminated.
INCOME LIMITATIONS
· Family of One: $0 - $28,150
· Family of Two: $20,100 - $32,200
· Family of Three: $22,650 - $36,200
· Family of Four: $25,150 - $40,250
· Family of Five: $27,150 - $43,450
· Family of Six: $29,150 - $46,700
· Family of Seven: $31,200 - $49,900
· Family of Eight: $33,200 - $53,100
* Income figures effective as of 1/31/02. Subject to change by the US Department of Housing & Urban Development.
ELIGIBLE REHABILITATION WORK INCLUDES
· STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS - defective foundations, roof systems, floor systems, exterior wall systems, and load bearing partitions or columns.
· ROOFING MATERIALS - defective roofing materials.
· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - faulty or hazardous components or non-code conforming areas.
· HEATING SYSTEM - heating system or chimney to eliminate unsafe condition.
· PLUMBING SYSTEM - faulty interior water lines, drain lines, faucets, fixtures, water pump and/or water heater.
· WATER AND SEWER LATERALS - laterals that have been cited by local officials.
· Abatement / control of lead paint.
· Installation of smoke alarms.
· Insulation and energy saving items.
· Accessibility Improvements: to make the home accessible for a disabled/mobility impaired resident.
CONTRACTORS
There is an established eligible contractors' list. If a homeowner wants a contractor not on the eligible contractors' list to participate in the bidding process, the contractor must complete an application and meet the eligibility requirements. Contractors that are interested in doing work for the HRAP must provide proof of insurance and references. After a contractor has met eligibility requirements, he or she is placed on an eligible contractors' list.
AVAILABLE ASSISTANCE
· Owner Occupied: Low and moderate income homeowners (see income limits above) are eligible for no interest or low interest loan funds up to $20,000.
· Investor: Landlords are eligible for low interest loan funds up to $20,000 for single family homes and up to $10,000 per unit for two to four unit homes.
For more information on the Home Repair Assistance Program, or to fill out a loan application, please contact the Office of Planning and Economic Development at (315) 255-4115.
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