The City of Mentor, through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant Program, is undertaking a Housing Rehabilitation Grant Program. The program is designed to assist eligible low and moderate income families living in Mentor with upgrading and improving their properties and living conditions in order to maintain neighborhoods.

Types of Grants: 
Maximum Grant Amount $10,000 (unless noted)

1.)  Low Income Housing Assistance Grant is available for households with incomes of less than 50% of the median income for the City of Mentor. The owner of the property must agree to remain an occupant of the property for a minimum of five years from the date of completion of the work; a lien will be filed that will guarantee the reimbursement of the grant if the owner sells or transfers the property or any legal or equitable interest.

2.)  Moderate Income Housing Assistance Grant is available in the form of a ten year deferred loan for households with incomes between 50% to 80% of the median income for the City of Mentor. The owner of the property must agree to remain an occupant of the property for a minimum of ten years from the date of completion of the work; a lien will be filed to guarantee the reimbursement of the grant if the owner sells or transfers the property or any legal or equitable interest.

3.)  Emergency Grants are available where a property is considered to be substandard based upon the City's standard rating criteria, or where a governmental agency (health or building department) certifies in writing that there is an imminent threat to health and safety. The funds will only be used to address the deficiency noted. Examples of eligible emergency repairs include the failure of major mechanical systems such as: electrical, heating (furnace) and plumbing (water heater, broken sanitary sewer, etc.). Persons receiving an emergency grant under this section will be subject to lien restrictions as specified in Sections 1 or 2, depending upon the recipient's income level.

Applicant Eligibility:
Ownership: Only owner-occupied single family homes are eligible and the owner must have had ownership for a minimum of one year to date of preliminary application.

Income: Income limits (based on gross income) are established by HUD.

Source HUD 03/09/2000

Taxes: To be considered eligible for the Program, all property taxes must be paid and current.

Insurance: Property Owner must provide proof of hazard issuance on the dwelling unit.

Eligible Improvements:
All improvements must be physically attached to the property and permanent in nature.

1. Any improvements required to bring the structure up to local codes; including incipient violations.
2. Any energy conservation improvements when made in conjunction with other code improvements resulting in substantial weatherization.
3. Exterior painting, including the removal of lead-based paint.
4. Provisions of proper yard drainage to eliminate ponding and drainage toward house foundation.
5. Repair of existing sidewalks.
6. Handicapped access improvements.
7. Removal of substandard accessory buildings.
8. Property Rehabilitation Standards improvements, if any.
9. Connection to sanitary sewer and/or water line, in conjunction with other rehabilitation improvements.
10. Rehabilitation improvements will be undertaken in order of the following priority:
    Classification A: Health and Safety
    Classification B: Incipient Violations and Energy Conservation
    Classification C: General Property Improvements

Ineligible Improvements:
General property improvements in excess of local code requirements are specifically prohibited. Improvements of this type include, but are not limited to:  additions, carports, detached garages, air conditioning and the like, including appliances, fixtures, equipment or landscaping. The purchase, installation, or repairs of personal furnishings, and costs incurred prior to date of the Contractor's Agreement for any improvements are ineligible.

Home owners are not allowed to personally perform any of the work paid for with program funds.

Sanitary Conditions / Compliance with the Mentor Code of Ordinances:

The applicant qualification process will not extend beyond applicant eligibility determination where, in the opinion of the City, housing conditions are substandard and/or unsanitary. The City must be able to have access to all rooms and be able to see all wall and floor surfaces. There must be no accumulation of trash, animal feces, garbage, or excess amounts of debris accumulated within the showing unit or on the property. The homeowner must correct existing conditions and/or violations within two months from date of eligibility to participate in the rehabilitation program until such conditions are improved.

For additional information, a copy of the "Housing Rehabilitation Program Guidelines" may be obtained from the Community Development Department by calling (440) 974-5740.

Visit the Department of Housing and Urban Development for more information.