Niagara Renovates Program for Repairs and Accessibility
The Niagara Renovates Program for homeowners is for low and modest-income households in Niagara that need:
- Repairs to bring homes up to a minimum level of health and safety
- Permanent modifications to increase accessibility for the occupant
All repair work must:
- Include energy-saving products, where possible
- Be permanent improvements
- Remove physical barriers and safety risks
- Improve daily living within the home
Eligibility
To be eligible, households must:
- Have a total income for all household members at or below:
- 1 bedroom - $44,000
- 2 bedrooms - $52,000
- 3 bedrooms - $59,500
- 4 or more bedrooms - $74,500
- Own the home for at least five years
- Have no liens or charges (except a first mortgage) registered against the property
- Have a home valued below the average MLS (Multiple Listing Service) resale price:
- Fort Erie - $569,358
- Grimsby - $856,692
- Lincoln - $766,788
- Niagara-on-the-Lake - $1,239,504
- Niagara Falls - $679,086
- Pelham - $922,185
- Port Colborne - $597,898
- St. Catharines - $639,258
- Thorold - $689,935
- Wainfleet - $597,898
- Welland - $568,461
- West Lincoln - $826,500
Homeowners cannot apply for this program if they have previously received funding from:
- Homeownership Program
- Canadian Housing Mortgage Corporation (until 10 year forgivable period ends)
- Niagara Renovates Program (until the 10 year forgivable period ends); or
- Have assets over $30,000
Housing Services will determine the homeowner's financial ability to make the requested repairs based on their income, savings and other liquid assets.
Repair work examples
Eligible housing repairs
- Structural, including building exterior such as roofs, foundations or walls
- Plumbing
- Fire safety
- Electrical and heating
Eligible housing modifications for persons with disabilities
- Ramps
- Handrails and chair / bath lifts
- Height adjustment to counter tops
- Cues for doorbells / fire alarms
Projects that are not eligible
- Landscaping
- Routine maintenance
- Cosmetic renovations and repairs
- Repairs on any detached dwellings
Funding
Households are allowed one application under the Niagara Renovates Program.
Funding is provided as a fully forgivable loan, which is written off at an equal rate over a 10 year period. The loan is not repaid if the homeowners remain as owners and live in the home during the 10 year forgivable period.
The maximum loan amount includes a portion for accessibility repairs, if required, of up to $5,000 that does not need to be repaid.
The loan is registered on title in second position for a period of 10 years.
Program default
The homeowner is considered to be in default and the balance of the loan amount must be repaid if:
- The home is sold
- The homeowner stops living in the unit as their primary residence
- The funding is used for other purposes
- The homeowner has misrepresented information about program eligibility
How to apply
- Step 1: Provide homeowner requirements
Complete and sign an application, and provide all supporting documentation, including:
- Copy of driver's licence(s), passport(s) or other photo identification to verify owners
- Proof of income of all members of household
- MPAC Assessment or property tax bill
- Insurance coverage
Housing Services will conduct a title search on the property. Associated costs will be included in the total approved funding amount.
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Step 2: Get conditional approval
If the application is complete and meets eligibility requirements, an inspection will be conducted on the property. A report will be provided to the homeowner with conditional approval.
- Homeowners must get estimates from professional contractors and provide copies to Housing Services
- Contractors must provide copies of WSIB coverage and insurance coverage as part of the quote process
- Step 3: Get final approval
Housing Services will review quotes and issue final approval with a Letter of Agreement. The agreement outlines the scope of work, funding amount, and roles and responsibilities of homeowner(s) and Housing Services.
- The mortgage / charge will be registered on title by Housing Services for 10 years. Associated legal costs will be included in the total approved funding amount.
- Homeowners must start work within 30 days of receiving final approval. Work that started before written approval by Housing Services is not eligible.
- Homeowners must allow inspections by Housing Services before work starts, during construction as needed and when the project is complete. These inspections are over and above the required inspections for building permit work.