Home Repair & Improvements
If you own an affordable deed-restricted home, you may need to apply ahead of time for home projects to be added to the value of your home. Please ask your home monitoring agent. If you're not sure who your monitoring agent is, please call our office. The Executive Office of Housing and Liveable Communities (EOHLC) defines capital improvement as a necessary maintenance improvement, not covered by a condo or homeowner association fee, that if not done would compromise the structural integrity of the property. Examples include a new roof, exterior painting due to deterioration, and repair of structural deficiencies caused by termite damage, water damage, etc.
Town Assistance for Home Repairs
Some towns offer financial assistance for repairs and alterations that ensure that homes remain safe and healthy. Each town has their own process:
- The Acton Community Housing Corporation administers a Capital Improvement Program for Deed Restricted properties.
- The Bedford Municipal Affordable Housing Trust administers a Small Grants Program.
- The Concord Housing Development Corporation administers a Small Grants Program.
- The Lincoln Foundation administers a Home Improvement Grant Program for residents of Battle Road Farms (exclusively).
- The Sudbury Housing Trust administers a Small Grants Program.
- The Wayland Municipal Housing Trust administers the Affordable Homeowner Repairs Assistance Program for Deed Restricted properties.
- The Weston Affordable Housing Trust is running a Small Grants Program for Deed Restricted properties.
Habitat for Humanity's Critical Home Repair Program
Each program is slightly different but none are for quick repairs because the waiting list is long.
- Acton & Maynard - Habitat for Humanity of North Central Massachusetts
- Bedford & Concord - Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell
- Sudbury & Wayland - Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester
- Habitat for Humanity of Greater Boston does not have a home repair program - Lexington, Lincoln, Weston
Loan Program for Adapting Homes for Disabilities
The state’s Home Modification Loan Program provides 0% interest loans up to $30,000 to modify mobile homes and up to $50,000 to modify other homes for elders and people with disabilities. No repayment is due until the sale or transfer of the home. The income limit is 200% of Area Median Income. Projects include things like ramps and lifts, bathroom adaptations, fencing, sensory integration rooms, and the creation of additional living space, including accessory dwelling units or in-law apartments.
Home Improvement Loan Program
MassHousing's Home Improvement Loan Program is available to income-qualified homeowners in Massachusetts to make general, non-luxury improvements to properties. All loans pay 5% interest; amounts from $7,500 to $50,000; repayment over 5 to 15 years. These loans are through banks in the HILP program.
Septic System Repair Repair Loan
MassHousing's Septic System Repair Loan Program helps income eligible homeowners to fund the replacement of their septic systems. Loans are available in amounts up to $25,000, for a term of 15 years, with interest rates between 0% and 2.5%
MassHousing's Refinance and Renovate Loan
MassHousing offers refinancing loans at competitive, fixed interest rates through participating lenders for a variety of renovation projects. It must be your primary home and there are other income and eligibility requirements.