What housing programs does Nash County have? Nash County offers different programs at different times, based on funding. The most common programs are Emergency Repairs Grant and Homeowner Single-Family Housing Rehabilitation. In the Emergency Repairs grant program (sometimes also called Urgent Repairs), one or two critical problems may be repaired, but the entire house is not addressed. Examples of work typically done under this program include roof or heating system repair, well or septic system repairs, adding accessibility features like ramps, bathroom grab bars and wider doors. The second common type of housing repair program involves repairs to bring the whole house up to HUD Rehabilitation Quality Standards. Typically, this program addresses the home’s heating, electrical, plumbing, floors, roof, exterior siding, accessibility, etc.
Other programs may be available but are less common. Contact Nancy Nixon, Senior Planner, at 252-459-1686 for program information.
Who is eligible for home repair grants & loans? Eligibility is determined by the individual program, so there is not one standard of eligibility. Typically, the home to be repaired must be owned and occupied by a person whose name is on the deed. Some programs allow limited debt, like a mortgage or a home equity line, but others do not. All housing repair programs are based on household income, which includes everyone living there, even if some do not actively contribute to expenses. Again, the total income allowed depends on the program, but most are based on 50% or 80% of Nash County median income. Income limits may be found here.
Are rental properties eligible? Not usually. The only case in which rental properties are eligible for repair is when Nash County is doing repairs in a specific neighborhood or "target area". In that case, all substandard dwellings within the project area will be considered, whether they are rented or homeowner-occupied.
I plan to move into a house that needs repair. Can I get assistance? No. Only homeowner-occupied dwellings are eligible. If you do not already live in the house when you apply for assistance, you are not a homeowner-occupant. Also, some programs require that you own and occupy the home for up to 5 years to be eligible for repairs.
How can I get a grant for home repairs? Nash County only takes applications when funds are available. When applications are available, notice is published in local newspapers and posted on Nash County’s website (www.co.nash.nc.us). You can also contact Nancy Nixon, Long Range Planner, at 252-459-1686 to have your name placed on a notice list for future mailings about home repair applications.
The Emergency repairs programs are usually the only actual grants available. The whole-house type rehabilitation programs are likely to be "deferred payment loans", not grants. The property owner does not make a monthly payment, but there is a lien on the property for the amount of repairs, usually lasting for a period 5 - 10 years. During that period, a part of the loan is forgiven each year, so at the end, the balance is zero and the owner has not had to make any repayment. For more details on how this works, contact the program staff at 252-459-1686.
What about manufactured homes? Are they eligible for repairs? Manufactured homes in parks are not eligible for repairs. Some repair programs limit the eligibility of manufactured homes. At a minimum, manufactured homes must be listed as real property for tax purposes and occupied by the owner of the land. Typically, the manufactured home can not be rented or on family-owned land.