Can’t Pay For Home Repairs In Montclair? Local Program May Help

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Need to make home repairs in Montclair, but don’t have the cash on hand? A local home improvement program may help you score the funds you need to get the project done.

Montclair officials recently reminded local residents about the town’s program, which provides eligible homeowners with up to $24,000 to pay for repairs. Learn more here.

Here’s how it works, according to a municipal advisory:

“If you live in Montclair, own your home, and your total gross annual household income falls below the income limit for your household size, you may qualify to participate in the program. If your home is in need of repair or replacement of a major system, such as roof, electric, heating, plumbing, windows, etc., you may be able to get up to $24,000 for home improvements through the Montclair Home Improvement Program.”

There is no cost to apply and applying to this program does not affect a resident’s credit score. Funds are provided as a no interest (zero percent) 10-year forgivable loan. There are no monthly payments and the loan is forgiven if the homeowner maintains title and occupancy for a 10-year period. A professional inspector oversees the process.

Funding also available for rental properties. Landlords should contact the township for terms.

Funds may be used only for work and repairs required to make the house code standard, conserve energy and remove health and/or safety hazards. At least one of the following major systems must be “in need of replacement or substantial repair” for a homeowner to qualify:

• Roof
• Plumbing (including sanitary plumbing and replacement of lead, galvanized steel and brass water service connection pipes)
• Heating
• Electrical
• Load bearing structural systems
• Foundations
• Weatherization (windows, door, insulation)

Homeowners must own a residential property and provide a copy of the recorded deed. Their property taxes and mortgage – if applicable – must be paid up to date prior to application. Participants also must have home insurance.

Income limits are currently:

• 1 person household - $72,473
• 2 people - $82,826
• 3 people - $93,180
• 4 people - $103,533
• 5 people - $111,816
• 6 people - $120,098
• 7 people - $128,381
• 8 people - $136,663

To apply, homeowners can submit a pre-application at the following link: Home Improvement Program Pre-Application.

For more information, contact the Program Administrator, Community Grants Planning & Housing at 609-664-2781 or email bmccann@cgph.net.

Montclair officials note that the program was created to assist eligible low- and moderate-income households with repairs or replacement of major home systems (such as a roof or heating system) to correct existing interior and exterior health, safety and substandard code conditions.

The Montclair Home Improvement Program is sponsored by the Township of Montclair, and is funded by collected development fees.

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