ROYAL OAK resident home owners in need of home repairs who are unable to afford the costs can apply for the Cities Housing Rehabilitation Program. The program helps low- to moderate-income owners of single-family homes who need up to $40,000 in needed home repairs through city grants and loans. Homeowners are eligible for up to $10,000 in grant money for exterior repairs and no-interest or low-interest, deferred loans.
Income guidelines for those requesting a zero-interest installment loan or grant range from about $37,450 for a single dweller to $70,400 for a family of eight. Deferred loans have a maximum income requirement ranging from $23,450 to $44,200, depending on household occupancy. The program qualifications are based on annual income only and do not take bank savings or retirement funds into account when determining eligibility.
The city oversees and pays the contractors, so there is little worry of being taken advantafe of. In the past, residents have used the money for work on siding, roofing, windows, doors, porches, furnaces, air-conditioning and installation. Anything that is not considered decorative can become part of the program The program does allow for kitchen and bath remodeling for low-mobility accessibility.
Currently the city has about $120,000 still available. This 30 year old program will renew July 1.
Anyone interested must fill out an application and then participate in an interview and inspection. Participating homeowners can’t have any outstanding code violations with the city, and they must be willing to have a lead-paint test conducted, if necessary.
To learn more about the program, visit the city’s website at romi.gov or call Debra Murray at (248) 246-3292. Applications may be picked up on the third floor of City Hall, located at 211 Williams St.
Comments(0)