Housing rehabilitation program

The housing rehabilitation program provides assistance to eligible homeowners to repair their homes to achieve decent, safe, and sanitary housing.

Examples of improvements may include:

• Plumbing
• Roof repair
• Structural repairs
• Electrical work
• Enhanced energy efficiency
• Barrier-free access for the disabled and elderly

Due to overwhelming demand we are unable to accept any additional applications for the Comprehensive Housing Rehabilitation program at this time. The waitlist for the program has also reached capacity.

The Comprehensive Housing Rehabilitation Program exists to help eligible homeowners with repairs to their homes to achieve decent, safe and sanitary affordable housing as defined by Macomb County Housing Rehabilitation Standards. The total cost of the project, whether grant-funded or loaned, cannot exceed applicable program limits, and assistance will be divided into 50%, zero interest, deferred payment loan; and a 50% grant to the homeowner.

• Repayment of the loan occurs when the title of the property is transferred.
• As long as the homeowner maintains the property as their primary residence and title do not change, the zero-interest loan remains deferred. No payments are required.
• If/when the homeowner selects a contractor,* mortgage documents are signed with the County. The homeowner also signs a contract with the selected contractor.*

(All Macomb County municipalities are eligible, with the exception of these four communities, which have their own programs. Please contact these municipalities directly for information about their programs.)

 Warren: 586-574-4686

Sterling Heights: 586-446-2724

St. Clair Shores: 586-447-3362

Clinton Township: 586-286-9325 (Repair program for general and emergency assistance. There is no minor repairs program.)

The program provides assistance for low-to-moderate income households that do not exceed income levels annually determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  The total cost of the project, whether grant-funded or loaned, cannot exceed applicable program limits, and assistance will be divided into 50%, zero interest, deferred payment loan; and a 50% grant to the homeowner. Please contact the Planning and Economic Development office for current income limits at 586-466-6256.

In addition to income level, you must also meet each of the following requirements;

• Own and occupy a single-family home (not a duplex, flat, apartment, rental home, property under land contract or manufactured home)
• Must be the owner-occupant of the dwelling unit, and used as your primary residence for the past continuous one (1) year period
• Have current homeowners insurance and not be in a floodplain
• Not be delinquent in property tax payments
• Be current on all mortgage payments
• Not be in foreclosure or bankruptcy

Resource: Comprehensive Housing Rehabilitation Program Manual 

• Repairs to manufactured (mobile) homes or rental properties
• Improvements to a residential structure located in a floodplain
• Properties held under a land contract or a reverse mortgage
• Payment of delinquent taxes

The following provides a basic program summary:

• A staff member contacts the homeowner, who is provided with an application. Program staff will notify the applicant when all documents have been received. Staff may request additional information to determine eligibility.
• If eligibility is verified, the homeowner must make the property available for an inspection, which may last two to three hours. The inspector will evaluate the property per program guidelines, and results and cost estimates will be shared with the homeowner. The inspection will determine if lead-based paint hazards exist and to do a write-up of the scope of work.
• Be advised that if costs to repair exceed program guidelines, the project is denied. If the project is approved, it is bid to insured contractors.*
• The homeowner must make the property available to contractors* who must inspect the property before submitting a sealed bid.
• Staff will schedule a bid opening and then perform careful analysis. A recommendation of the lowest bidding contractor is made to the homeowner.
• Final inspections are conducted upon completion of construction.
• A project completion letter is sent to the homeowner.

More details are available in this flow chart.

*Contractors: The County maintains a list of approved contractors for the Housing Rehabilitation Program. Interested contractors should send an e-mail with their contact information to community.development@macombgov.org.

For more information about the housing rehabilitation program:

Phone: 586-466-6256
Fax: 586-469-6787

Community development
1 South Main Street, 7th Floor
Mount Clemens, MI 48043

Email: community.development@macombgov.org When emailing questions regarding services, please include your full name, phone number or other contact information and city of residence. This helps us to serve you more efficiently.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired, you may wish to utilize the Michigan Relay Service by calling 7-1-1 for assistance in placing a call to Macomb Community Action.