Own the property to be rehabilitated and maintain that property as their principal residence.
	Meet the low-income criteria established using the U.S. Department of H.U.D. Income Limits.
	Make a minimum financial contribution equal to $1 for every $20 of assistance if your household income is low or $1 for every $40 of assistance if your household income is very low.  Extremely low income households are exempt.
	Assistance cannot cause the applicant to exceed the $75,000 lifetime City housing assistance cap.

Housing and Community Development Office staff will determine your income eligibility based on your total household income from all sources.

Quick Links
	Purchase Assistance Program
	Homeowner Housing Rehabilitation Program
	Homeowner Housing Reconstruction Assistance Program
	Rental Rehabilitation Program
	Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program
	Equal Housing Opportunity
	Housing & Community Development Home

Terms and Level of Assistance

The rehabilitation assistance is made in the form of a deferred payment loan. This type of loan does not have to be repaid as long as you abide by the terms of the rehabilitation agreement. Depending on the actual amount of assistance, a lien will be placed on the assisted property for 5-15 years. When the lien period has expired, so has your obligation to repay the assistance!

With the variety of funding sources available, the City can provide as much as $60,000 in rehabilitation assistance to an eligible homeowner. In the event the cost to rehabilitate the home exceeds $60,000, (plus your minimum contribution), you would be responsible for paying the difference. Staff will consider your suggestions for reducing costs. However, the City does have a responsibility to make sure the repairs that are made will bring your home into compliance with City Code.

If you previously received assistance but have a serious housing need, e.g. roof, plumbing, heating or electrical system, you could qualify for assistance to correct major health and safety violations of the Building Code. Please note, however, there is a $75,000 lifetime maximum assistance limit for any City of Melbourne housing program.

Finally, you will be required to maintain insurance coverage on the home and maintain the property in "standard" condition during the lien period.

Who Decides What Repairs Are Made?

The Housing and Community Development staff will work with you during the Inspection and Work Write-up stages to discuss what repairs are necessary according to the Florida Building Code and other repairs that you feel are important to make your home safe and functional.

You will approve the final Work Write-up, which specifies exactly the repairs to be made. The contractors you ask to submit proposals shall be required to use the Work Write-up as the basis for their bids.

How Do I Get Started?

The Housing and Community Development Office schedules one-on-one interviews to advise interested persons of specific details of the Housing Rehabilitation Program.

Please call the Housing & Community Development Office at 321/674-5734 or email:  for more information. You will be contacted when an interview is scheduled. Special arrangements can be made for persons with disabilities.

Program Funding Sources
 

HOME (HOME Investment Partnership Program) Created by the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, the HOME Program provides funds to local governments for a wide variety of housing activities for the benefit of low-income persons. Eligible activities include new housing construction, housing rehabilitation, rental assistance, and acquisition of real property for housing. Source: U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development

SHIP (State Housing Initiatives Partnership) Created by the William E. Sadowski Act of 1992, the SHIP Program provides funds to local governments for a wide variety of housing activities for the benefit of low-income persons. Eligible activities are essentially the same as under the HOME program. Source: Florida Housing Finance Corporation

  The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of
race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.
Contact the Florida Commission on Human Relations 1-800-342-8170

This provides a brief overview of the City of Melbourne Homeowner Housing Rehabilitation Program. Individuals interested in finding out more specific information about the Program should call the Housing and Community Development Department at (321) 674-5734.

Revised September 2005

Housing & Community Development 695 E. University Boulevard Melbourne, FL 32901-7121 Phone:  (321)  674-5734 Fax:      (321)  674-5738 E-Mail:  housingcdbg@melbourneflorida.org

   

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