Housing Rehabilitation Programs
Acquisition-Rehab-50/50
The Acquisition-Rehab program assists qualifying low-income homeowners in the City of Buffalo secure a conditional grant for one-half of the rehab costs (up to $25,000.)
This program is available to homeowners whose property:
Is in need of major repairs and has been (or will be) purchased through the In Rem tax auction, a bank foreclosure, HUD or FHA sale, or private sale or transfer of title within a family
Is a property with multiple emergency conditions, and the property not located on a target street
Is a property with emergency conditions and letters of violation that have been referred to housing court
The homeowner must remain in the home for 10 years and it must be their principle place of residence for that length of time.
Buffalo River Owner Occupied Home Improvement Program
The Buffalo River Owner Occupied Home Improvement Program assists homeowners with making health and safety repairs to their homes.
Must own and occupy home in service area.
Total household income must be below 80% of gross area median income.
Funding is made available through New York State Homes and Community Renewal
Buffalo River and South District Access to Home Program
Funding is available to assist with making accessibility modifications to the homes of those with disabilities. Applicants must have a permanent, documented disability or substantial difficulty with daily living due to aging. Assisted units must be the primary place of residence for the person with a disability.
Available for both owner-occupied and rental units
Total household income does not exceed 80% of area median income (AMI) or 120% AMI if service-disabled veteran
Funds are available as conditional grants, subject to a 3-year regulatory period, during which the applicant must maintain the unit as their primary place of residence
if a rental, landlord must maintain the unit as affordable housing marketed to those with disabilities
Emergency Repair Program
Applicants must be below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI)
Applicants must have owned and occupied their home for at least 1 year prior to applying
Funds are available as 0% interest loans or conditional grants, with repayment depending on income.
Subject to a 10-year lien period in which the homeowner must continue to own and occupy the home, or applicant will need to pay back funding.
Properties with the following conditions are not eligible and should instead apply for the Acquisition/Rehab 50-50 Program:
if there are multiple issues or the property or
has been acquired in “as is” condition as a result of private purchase or tax foreclosure
What is Considered an Emergency?
A break in the sanitary sewer line
A break in water service
A leaking roof system
Electrical hazards at the main panel
A hazardous chimney
Water meter installation/repair
Defective heating systems
Defective hot water storage heaters
Download the brochure for more information