What is the Keuka Housing Council, Inc. Home Repair Program?
Depending on grant funding availability, Keuka Housing Council, Inc. Home Repair Program is designed to assist income eligible homeowners in Yates County complete the necessary repairs to their home related to health and safety. The purpose of the program is not to remodel your home and cosmetic repairs will not be permitted; these include siding, painting or driveways and work to detached garages or sheds.
Repair assistance is provided to eligible homeowners in the form of a deferred loan. There are no monthly payments required and you must own and occupy for the term associated with your project cost after your project is completed. The term ranges from 2-10 years, depending on the total project cost and funding source and the term is secured by a lien in the form of a signed note and mortgage that will be filed with the Yates County Clerk's Office. If your home is sold, transferred or foreclosed within the term, the deferred loan must be paid back. The repayment amount is prorated and determined by how much time has been completed of the term. In some circumstances, you may have to repay the deferred loan if you want to refinance your home or obtain a home equity loan during the term. The release of lien will be completed once the term has lapsed or funds have been repaid.
The program will not reimburse any homeowners for work completed prior to approval for the program and will not pay for any work not under the contract through the program.
Funding, at times, may be available for Schuyler County. Please contact Keuka Housing Council, Inc. staff to check on availability of assistance.
What type of repairs can be done?
Home repair activities can include, but are not limited to the following:
- Structural Problems - repair or replacement of defective roof systems, floor systems, exterior wall systems, load bearing partitions or columns, and foundations.
- Roofing - replacement of defective roofs.
- Electrical - repair or replacement of faulty or hazardous electrical systems.
- Heating - repair or replacement of heating systems or chimneys.
- Plumbing - repair or replacement of faulty water lines, drain lines, faucets, fixtures, water pumps or water heaters.
- Windows and Doors - repair or replacement of inoperable or defective windows and doors. Please note that windows are not a priority of the program and will only be done if necessary.
- Accessibility - repair or replacement of defective steps and porches, installation of handicap ramps, and handicap accessible bathroom modifications.
- Smoke Alarm and Carbon Monoxide Detectors - installation of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors as necessary.
- Septic/ Sewer System - repair or replacement of failing septic systems, or repair or replacement of laterals.
- Water Well/ Hook ups - repair or replacement of deficient well, or repair or replacement of laterals.
Please be aware that not all housing deficiencies may be corrected. Depending on funding available, some deficiencies may exceed project cost limits. It is Keuka Housing Council, Inc’s priority to remedy serious threats to health and safety.
What are the eligibility factors?
- Eligible properties must be owner-occupied and must be the owner's primary residence. Homes being purchased on land contracts are not eligible under program regulations. Eligibility of homes in mobile home parks is dependent on the funding source.
- Proof of ownership must be provided.
- All property and school taxes must be paid up-to-date.
- If you have a mortgage, your mortgage must be paid-up-to-date.
- Eligible applicants must have homeowners' insurance. If you do not have homeowners' insurance, you must agree to obtain insurance and agree to keep the policy for the term of the lien.
- Applicants must meet the current income limits according to program regulations. (Please see the below chart for the current income limits.)
For more information, please contact Kelly Smith, HUD certified housing counselor, at (315) 536-8707 ext. 101
