Community Corner
Westchester To Offer Small Landlords Money For Rental Repairs
To be eligible, landlords or owners must charge rents that are affordable under 2022 HUD Guidelines.
WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — A program that will help small landlords make repairs to their rental properties was announced in Westchester County.
County Executive George Latimer said the Landlord Tenant Assistance Program will allow landlords who own eight units or less, who maintain rent levels that are affordable to residents, to apply for up to $25,000 per unit for repairs to their rental properties.
To be eligible, landlords or owners must charge rents that are affordable to households earning between no more than 60 percent and 100 percent of the area median income.
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Home improvements may include, but are not limited to, roof replacement or upgrades to electrical, windows, accessibility ramps, plumbing and heating systems.
With $10 million available, county officials said 400 units can be rehabilitated.
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Latimer said the coronavirus pandemic and its aftermath have greatly impacted small landlords who have not been able to receive rent increases to make improvements to their properties in years.
"My administration stands committed to preserving affordable housing in all of our communities, and this funding will help our landlords make upgrades that will ultimately preserve the life of these units," he said.
"We hope the prospect of receiving up to $25,000 per unit will incentivize our landlords to maintain their rental properties at a price point that everyone can afford," Latimer said.
Rent levels, with utilities included, must adhere to the following 2022 HUD Guidelines:
| Bedroom Size | 60% AMI Rent Levels | 80% AMI Rent Levels | 100% AMI Rent Levels |
| Studio | $1,457 | $1,942 | $2,427 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,665 | $2,219 | $2,773 |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,873 | $2,497 | $3,119 |
| 3 Bedroom | $2,080 | $2,773 | $3,465 |
A Westchester County Rehabilitation Specialist will inspect the property after an application has been submitted to the Department of Planning. If the property qualifies, a three-party contract will be signed between the County, the landlord/owner and the contractor, for work to be completed by contractors that are licensed and insured to work in Westchester County. Funds will be disbursed directly to the contractor from the County after a progress inspection has been completed.
Interested landlords/owners should call or email Gaitre Rambharose in the Westchester County Department of Planning at 914-995-2429 or by email.
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