The Burlington County Commissioners have approved changes to a County program that assists low- and moderate-income residents with critical home repairs.
The Burlington County Home Improvement Loan Program provides zero-interest deferred payment loans to income-eligible homeowners of up to $25,000 to make repairs or correct substandard conditions that might impact health and safety.
Previously residents who qualified for the loan were required to repay the full amount without interest whenever their home was sold or the residents moved. The change approved by the Commissioners allows the loans to be forgiven if the recipients continue to live in their home for a period of 10 years.
Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson said the change updates the program to make it more responsive to the hardships faced by low- and moderate-income households.
“Home ownership is considered one of the keys to building generational wealth and we want to do everything possible to help residents maintain safe and comfortable homes in Burlington County,” Hopson said. “Making our County’s home improvement loans forgivable after 10 years of residency provides a strong incentive for them to make needed repairs and improvements. It’s a responsive change that will help keep Burlington County communities vital and attractive.”
The Burlington County Home Improvement Loan Program is funded with aid received from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and is administered by the Community Development and Housing Division of the Burlington County Department of Human Services.
To qualify for a loan, residents must be the legal owner of the property and reside in it as their principal residence. Income limits are set by HUD rules.
The change to the Home Improvement Loan Program is the latest of several recent enhancements to important homeowner assistance and incentive programs run by the County.
Earlier this summer, the Commissioners voted to approve increases to Burlington County’s First-Time Homebuyers Program to respond to current market conditions.
The Commissioners also approved using federal funding to expand the County’s emergency home repairs and heater and air-conditioning replacement programs to increase the aid and expand eligibility so more low- and moderate-income homeowners can qualify for the grants.
“These programs are proven to be successful in helping hardworking families achieve their dream of home ownership and we’re updating and expanding them to ensure they continue to be responsive to our residents’ needs,” Hopson said.
Homeowners seeking more information about these programs and how to apply can find details online at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/257/Community-Development-Housing or by calling the Division of Housing and Community Development at 609- 265-5072.