Is your home in need of repair? Is conventional financing out of the question? The City of La Crosse has available Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to help eliminate housing conditions which are detrimental to health and safety. These funds are administered through the City of La Crosse's Housing Rehabilitation 3% Deferred Payment Loan Program.
How to Apply
The application process begins with you contacting the Housing Rehabilitation office and having your name placed on our waiting list. The size of this list fluctuates so don't delay in contacting the office if you are interested.
Our office will then contact you to set up an appointment for an interview. During the interview, your eligibility will be evaluated. After the interview an inspection of your property will take place. The whole process will take approximately six weeks. If you should change your mind and do not want to participate in the Housing Rehabilitation Program, you may withdraw your application at any time before you sign the Deferred Payment Loan Repayment Agreement.
Deferred Payment Loans
The Deferred Payment Loan allows you to delay loan repayment until the property is sold, is transferred in any manner, or is no longer considered to be your principal place of residence. You have the option of pre-paying all or part of the loan without penalty. The loan limit varies from house to house. All loans are acted upon by the Housing Rehabilitation Review Board which is comprised of five Council members.
Program Eligibility
To be eligible to participate in the City's Housing Rehabilitation Program you must:
1) be a City of La Crosse resident
2) own and occupy you own home for at least one year
3) have all mortgage and real estate tax payments paid up to date
4) have enough equity in the home to cover the amount of the loan
5) meet the Program's asset and income eligibility limits.
Assets
The assets for your household cannot exceed $70,000. Assets include money in savings and checking accounts, life insurance cash values, securities, stocks, bonds, a second car, recreational vehicles, real estate other than the home you occupy, and business assets.
Income
Income eligibility is determined by the number of residents in your home and the household's gross yearly income. Gross income is defined as any money you and members of your household receive before taxes are deducted. This includes work, overtime, social security, pensions, rental income, public assistance, estate or trust income, educational grants paid directly to the individual, and any other income. To be eligible for the Program your household income must be less than the maximum income limits listed below.
| Number of Residents |
2010 Income Limit |
| 1
|
$35,600 |
| 2 |
$40,650 |
| 3 |
$45,750 |
| 4 |
$50,800 |
| 5 |
$54,900 |
| 6 |
$58,950 |
| 7 |
$63,000 |
| 8+ |
$67,100 |
Note: If your income is close to the limit, check with the Housing Rehabilitation Program staff since the income limits change periodically.
What Repairs Can Be Made?
Basic components of your home that can be repaired or replaced may include such items as: roofing, siding, foundation, windows and doors, painting, interior walls and ceilings, flooring, and heating, air conditioning, electrical and plumbing systems. All areas of the home must be up to code and meet the Minimum Housing Quality Standards set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Contracting for Work
The homeowner is responsible for the solicitation and selection of all contractors. Electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning work must be done by City of La Crosse licensed contractors and all contractors must be insured.
Fair Housing
The Housing Rehabilitation Program conforms with the City of La Crosse's Fair Housing Ordinance (Section 7.03(J), Municipal Code).
More Information
If you think you may qualify or would like additional information, please contact the Housing Rehabilitation Program at (608) 789-7513.