Contact Info
The City’s Home Repair and Home Maintenance programs aim to assist Cleveland homeowners. Eligible repairs include one major home repair once every ten years and may include roof replacement, porch replacement, electrical or plumbing repairs.
Repair-A-Home (RAH) is a Code compliance program. Eligible activities are determined by City of Cleveland staff during onsite inspections. In addition, the Department of Community Development offers a variety of programs in order to aid our residents in the maintenance of their homes. The Department hopes to maintain and promote vibrant neighborhoods and that begins with investing in our housing.
Repair-A-Home
Repair-A-Home (RAH) is an owner-occupied home repair program. A key component to the revitalization of Cleveland’s neighborhoods is the preservation and improvement of the local housing stock. RAH provides loans to owner applicants who are not eligible for traditional financing for the repair of one (1) and two (2) family dwellings at interest rates ranging from deferred to between 0% and 3%, depending on the applicant's income.
Half (50%) of the loan may be forgiven if the applicant remains in the property for a minimum of five (5) years. The maximum loan term is 30 years. The repayment term is dependent upon the amount of disposable income available. A written agreement is required of the applicant to participate. The applicant’s ability to repay the loan will be taken into consideration when determining the loan payback. Monies must be used to repair homes to meet City code and housing quality standards.
Eligibility
The Repair-A-Home program serves one (1) and two (2) family owner-occupied dwellings. The property must be titled to the applicant. Applicants must own and occupy the property for at least one (1) year prior to application and occupy the home as their primary residence. Primary residence means the mortgagor resides in the premises at least 270 days per calendar year. There may be no outstanding judgment liens against the property and the homes cannot be in an active foreclosure. The income limit is 80% or less of the Area Median Income.
2023/2024 HUD Income Limits (Effective July 2023)
| Income limit (%) | Number of Person | |||||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
| 80% | 50,600 | 57,850 | 65,100 | 72,300 | 78,100 | 83,900 | 89,700 | 95,450 |
Selection and Award
The Repair-A-Home program has a rolling application process. Provided there is funding available, there is no deadline for applications. Applications determined to be complete and eligible are awarded funds on a rolling basis, depending on availability.
RAH Program FAQs
Can I use my own contractor?
The homeowner may select one contractor to bid. If that contractor is not a lead abatement contractor, the contractor may sub-contract the lead work to a lead abatement contractor. The contractor nor the subcontractor are eligible if they have previously been removed from our contractor pool.
Why do we ask for so many documents?
Our funder, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires supporting documentation for determining eligibility.
How long does it take for work to begin?
Ideally, it should take approximately 180 days. However, we are currently experiencing delays due to a shortage of contractors and laborers.
Why does the process take so long?
We currently have a shortage of contractors. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the workforce, and many laborers who work for contractors have found employment elsewhere with better benefits, higher wages, and, in many cases, their new job is safer. We are actively working to increase our contractor pool.
Why do you need to know about the deposits made into my bank accounts?
Bank statements are reviewed to support each applicant’s income. The information is used to determine the applicant’s eligibility to receive services.
Direct Contact
Division of Neighborhood Services
Novella Lockett, Home Repair Program Manager
216.664.2045 - Weekdays 8:00 am to 5:00 pm - 601 Lakeside Ave., Room 320
Senior Homeowner Assistance Program (SHAP)
A key component to the revitalization of Cleveland’s neighborhoods is the preservation and improvement of the local housing stock. The purpose of the Senior Homeowner Assistance Program (SHAP) is to assist low-income seniors and disabled owner-occupants with one critical health or safety repair once every ten years.
The City, through the Department of Community Development, provides repair grants to eligible applicants. SHAP provides grants that are accessed through the Department of Aging. The grant is designed for single-project home repairs, limited to:
- Roof Replacement
- Porch Replacement
- Smoke & CO Alarm Installation
- Major Electrical Work
- Major Plumbing Work
- Handicap Accessibility
Applicants must reside in (and own) a one (1) or two (2) family home.
Eligibility
The program is available to seniors or disabled homeowners with a household income of 35% or less of the Area Median Income. There are four (4) steps to determining eligibility:
- Letter of Interest - Completed with the Department of Aging as a preliminary assessment of the applicant, property, and work needed
- Applicant Income Eligibility - Completed by a Financial Counselor using HUD’s Part 5 Income documentation requirements to establish that the applicant’s household income does not exceed 35% of the Area Median Income
- Property Eligibility - Completed by a Financial Counselor and Rehab Inspector using the City of Cleveland’s Rehabilitation Guidelines
- Procurement of Contractor - Completed by a Bidding Administrator using the City of Cleveland SHAP bidding process
2023/2024 HUD Income Limits (Effective July 2023)
| Income limit (%) | Number of Person | |||||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
| 35% | 23,050 | 26,300 | 29,600 | 32,900 | 35,550 | 40,280 | 45,420 | 50,560 |
Selection and Award
The Senior Homeownership Assistance Program has a rolling application process. Provided there is funding available, there is no deadline for applications.
Applications determined to be complete and eligible are awarded funds on a rolling basis, depending on the availability of funds. Please submit your application via the Department Grant and Program Application Portal link above.
Or Contact the Department of Aging for questions and to ask for assistance at 216.664.2833.
Healthy Homes Program
The Healthy Homes Assessment allows the city and its contractors to provide a larger umbrella of service to Cleveland Residents to address health and safety concerns.
The Program encompasses lead hazards, radon risks, and general home safety concerns. Services include mold and asthma triggers, verified pest control, electrical problems, and many other projects such as trip and fall hazards and general maintenance.
A preliminary inspection will be conducted to determine lead risk and radon saturation. The Program can help with all manner of household risks and repairs depending on need.
2023/2024 HUD Income Limits (Effective July 2023)
| Income limit (%) | Number of Person | |||||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
| 80% | 50,600 | 57,850 | 65,100 | 72,300 | 78,100 | 83,900 | 89,700 | 95,450 |
Exterior Paint Program
Notice: We are not accepting any applications at this time. The Department of Community Development has heard the concerns of citizens, Community Development Corporations, and other community stakeholders. We began re-vamping this program over the winter and spring months with the intent of making it easier for citizens to apply for paint, supplies, and labor assistance this summer. We value you as a partner and appreciate that the uncertainty may be uncomfortable. Please continue to extend us grace as we rebuild a better program for our citizens.