Common Questions For Homeowners:

Q: Do I need to income qualify?

A: Yes, to be eligible, your household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for your household size. 

Q: How do I apply if I own a multi-family home with tenants?

A: Each occupied rental unit requires a separate tenant application. All tenants must meet the income requirements.

Q: What if my tenants move out?

A: You must prioritize renting to low-moderate income families with children under 6 or pregnant applicants. You’ll need to demonstrate that you made a good faith effort to rent to these target groups.

Q: Can vacant units be included?

A: Yes. We can remediate lead hazards in vacant units before you lease them. However, new tenants must be either:

• A low-income family with a child under 6, or
• A low-income family with a pregnant household member

Q: Are there any hidden obligations?

A: No. This HUD-funded program places a 3-year lien on your property after work completion. If you maintain ownership for three years, the lien will be released.

Q: How much will this cost me?

A: $0.00 There is no homeowner contribution

Common Questions For Landlords:

Landlords- You own the property, but do not occupy a unit in the building.

Q: Do I need to meet income qualifications as a landlord?

A: No. Income qualifications only apply to your tenants.

Q: What if my tenants move out?

A: You must prioritize renting to low-moderate income families with children under 6 or pregnant applicants. You’ll need to demonstrate a good faith effort to rent to these target group

Q: Can vacant units be included in the program?

A: Yes. We can treat vacant units for lead hazards before you lease them. However, new tenants must be either:

• A low-income family with a child under 6, or
• A low-income family with a pregnant household member

Q: What’s the catch?

A: There is no catch, this is a HUD funded program. There will be a 3-year lien placed against the property upon construction completion. If you maintain ownership of the properties for three years you will receive a lien release.  

Q: How much will this cost me?

A: $0.00 There is no required financial contribution from the landlord.

Common Questions For Tenants:

Q: How do I get help as a tenant?

A: Contact the HomeOwnershipCenter directly. We’ll collect information about your unit and landlord and can reach out to your landlord to start the process.

Q: What are my landlord’s responsibilities in this program?

A: Your landlord must:

1. Agree to enroll their property in Lead-Safe Utica
2. Complete a landlord application
3. Ensure all tenants in the property complete individual applications

Q: Is this going to cost me anything?

A: No, this program is fully funded by HUD, and the City of Utica.