Important Update

The City of Saint Paul has closed applications for the Homeowner Rehab program, following a high volume of applications. During this pause, staff will process previously submitted applications in the order received.

Sign up to receive housing updates via email

Overview

This program offers homeowners no-interest deferred loans for basic improvements to homes located in the City of Saint Paul.

Qualified homeowners can receive up to $40,000 for rehab and homeowners eligible for the Inheritance Fund layers can receive up to $80,000 for rehab. Once funding is secured, the City of Saint Paul disburses the payments to the contractors when the project is complete.

Once the initial information is reviewed, eligible applicants will be placed on a waitlist and staff will connect via phone and email on a first come, first served basis as funding allows. Please note there is high interest in this program.

Download Full Program Guidelines

Waitlist Information

When you are next on the waitlist, staff will send you a full application packet. The full application requires the same types of documents and information you would need to provide to apply for a mortgage (bank account statements, pay stubs, tax documents, etc.).

Eligibility

Applicants must:

Property must be 4 units or less.

Loan can be used for:

  • lead based paint hazards,
  • plumbing/electrical/mechanical repairs,
  • roofing repairs/replacement,
  • accessibility ramps,
  • and/or other basic and necessary improvements for health, safety, habitability, energy efficiency or accessibility.

Lead-based paint assessment

If your home was built prior to 1978, the home must undergo a lead risk assessment once you are preapproved for the program. If any hazards are found, the funds must also be used to repair them first and the rest will go towards the other improvements, health and safety needs.

Income Limits

The Emergency Rehab Program uses HUD income limits.

Family Size80% AMI
1 person$66,300
2 persons$75,750
3 persons$85,200
4 persons$94,650
5 persons$102,250
6 persons$109,800
7 persons$117,400
8 persons$124,950
9 persons$132,500
10 persons$140,100
11 persons$147,650
12 or more persons$155,200

Financing

  • Type: Loan
  • Maximum award: $40,000 ($80,000 for Inheritance Fund)
  • Loan terms:
    • Interest: 0%
    • Term: 15 years (loan is forgiven at an amortized rate of 1/15th annually)
    • Repayment: Deferred until borrower sells, transfers title or no longer lives in home. Fully forgiven if terms are met and homeowner remains in the home for the full 15 year term.

Process

Homeowner Rehab Process Map - Updated February 28, 2024

View the process as a PDF

1

Step 1: Interest Form

Fill out the interest form and if eligible, you will be placed onto the waitlist.

2

Step 2: Application

Staff will send the application and underwrites for eligibility.

3

Step 3: Eligibility

If eligible, applicants will receive a 6-month conditional approval.

4

Step 4: Lead Risk Assessment

If the property was built before 1978, a lead risk assessment is requested and performed by Ramsey County.

5

Step 5: Scope of Work

A rehab advisor is assigned and schedules the initial inspection. The rehab advisor reviews lead risk assessments and build scope of work with homeowner.

6

Step 6: Bidding Process

The homeowner selects the contractors available from the City’s approved contractor list. The project is submitted for the bidding process.

7

Step 7: Closing

Two bids are required, and the lowest bid wins the project and the closing is scheduled. After closing and the rescission period ends, the rehab advisor submits the Proceed to Work order for the contractors to start the project.

8

Step 8: Payment Disbursements

The rehab advisor inspects completed work and reimburses payments to the contractor. A final inspection is completed to issue the final payments to contractors.

Program Guidelines

The Saint Paul Housing and Development Authority (HRA) green-lighted updates to the program at its January 11, 2023.

Download Full Program Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Home Improvement Programs

During the pause of the City of Saint Paul's Homeowner Rehab program, please check out the following partner organizations that also offer home improvement programs:

Last Edited: April 3, 2024