Home Repair Loans and Grants
- Assistance
- $20,000 average annual savings
- Deadline
- None
- Time to apply
- 30-40 mins
- Processing time
- Varies
- Age range
- 18 and up
- Apply
- Call or email to apply
Overview
The Home Repair Loan Program provides affordable loans to income-qualified homeowners to address critical health, safety, and structural issues. The program is designed for owner-occupied, single family homes with low- to moderate-income households.
The no interest loans are funded by local and federal programs that prioritize repairs that address health and safety concerns. Homeowners are given as much flexibility as possible, and our trusted staff will offer expert guidance throughout the process to ensure the work is done well, and on budget.
Loan Limits and Terms
Loans through the Home Repair Loan Program start at $3,000. All loans will have 0% interest. Some borrowers may also qualify for a deferred loan that has no monthly payments.
If you do not qualify for a loan, a Home Repair Grant may be available. Call us at (206) 684-0244 to learn more.
Side Sewer Repairs
If your home needs a side sewer repair or are unsure if your side sewer is broken, please see the Side Sewer Assistance Program. Qualified individuals can get a 0% interest loan to repair side sewers.
How much can I save with this program?
With this program, you can expect to save an average of $20,000 annually.
Eligibility
Check Eligibility by Income
To qualify for a home repair loan you must:
- Own property within City of Seattle limits
- Have low-income - less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI)
To qualify for a home repair grant you must:
- Own property within City of Seattle limits
- Have very low-income - less than 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI)
2024 Income Guidelines (effective 4/22/24)
The Office of Housing's home repair program has different income eligibility thresholds depending on whether the assistance is a grant or a loan. The home repair limits are the very low-income limits (for grants) and the low-income limits (for loans), both as adjusted and published by HUD.
View Income Limits for Home Repair Program.
Eligible Repairs
The Home Repair Loan Program is designed to address immediate health, safety, and structural deficiencies. Other improvements will be considered on a case by case basis. The following is a partial list of priority issues. Final determination of improvements will be made by OH staff.
The Home Repair Loan Program is designed to address immediate health, safety and structural deficiencies. Other improvements will be considered on a case by case basis. The following is a partial list of priority issues. Final determination of improvements will be made by OH staff.
- Accessibility needs and modifications
- Appliances, if existing ones are nonfunctional, inefficient or in very poor condition (no washers or dryers)
- Bathroom repair
- Brick or masonry repair
- Chimney repair
- Door and window repair or replacement (if in poor condition)
- Driveway or walkway repair
- Electrical upgrades
- Floor repair and covering
- Foundation repair or replacement
- Furnace/boiler repair or replacement
- Gutter repair or replacement
- Hazardous materials abatement
- Hot water heater repair or replacement
- Hot water tanks might be replaced if determined they are failing, must be leaking, or rusted. We do not replace because of their age
- Kitchen repair
- Paint (exterior)
- Plumbing repair
- Porch repair or replacement
- Retaining wall repair (for code violations, or if hazardous)
- Roof repair or replacement
- Sewer repair
- Siding (if in poor condition)
- Structural repair
- Water line repair or replacement
How to Apply
To apply, you must call or email us to request an application.
Phone: (206) 684-0244
Email: HomeRepair@seattle.gov
In your message, please include the following to receive an application:
- Name and property address
- Brief description of your needed major repairs
- Let us know if you're a recipient of a letter from Office of Housing, or other agency
For Contractors
Interested contractors are invited to review the Contactors page to learn more about how to work with us and what typical work could include.
Contact
General Questions regarding Home Repair Program:
(206) 684-0244 or email HomeRepair@seattle.gov
Income and Eligibility Questions:
Theresa.Cortez@seattle.gov