News

September 16, 2019 | From City of New Orleans

City of New Orleans Provides Owner-Occupied Rehab Program

NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans has launched a deferred forgivable loan program that provides up to $35,000 to eligible City of New Orleans homeowners for health and safety repairs on their home. The loan will be for 10 years at a 0 percent interest rate with payments deferred and forgiven until the earlier of loan maturity, sale, transfer of ownership, or failure to maintain the property as the primary residence during the 10-year term.

The principal balance is reduced by 10 percent annually provided the eligible homeowner maintains primary residency. The prorated remaining balance is due and payable immediately if the home is sold, transferred, or no longer the primary residence within the 10-year term. A lien will be placed on the home. The homeowner must maintain taxes and insurance throughout the loan period.

The maximum loan amount per home, inclusive of all construction-related costs and closing costs, is $35,000 per home.

Eligibility Guidelines

  • Homeowner must reside within Orleans Parish
  • Must be a primary homeowner and existing resident of the property at least five (5) years prior to application.
  • Annual Household Income must not exceed 80 percent of area medium income (AMI; adjusted for household size, limitations may apply).
  • Senior households aged 55+, military veterans, disabled head of household and those who have been in their homes for 15-plus years will have priority in the program.
  • Homeowners with first and second mortgage liens are permitted, provided all mortgages are current and not in default.
  • Homeowners with outstanding tax liens are ineligible for the program.
  • Prior recipients of owner-occupied rehabilitation grants funded by the City of New Orleans resources within the previous five (5) years are ineligible for the program.
 

Owner Occupied Table

Eligibility Repairs

Eligible repairs are prioritized to address issues pertaining to: Health and Life safety; Accessibility; Deferred Maintenance and Home Exterior Improvements. This is not a home remodeling program.

How To Apply

Applicants may apply directly to the Office of Community Development located at 1340 Poydras St., 10th Floor, New Orleans, LA 70112. Priority will be based on the following criteria: Senior households aged 55-plus, military veterans, disabled head of household, and those who have lived in their home for 15-plus years. Applications will be accepted through Oct. 30, 2019, at 1340 Poydras St., 10th Floor Receptionist desk, or emailed to ocdintake@nola.gov. Or call 504-658-4200.