HOME ACCESSIBILITY and REPAIR PROGRAM 2018 PROGRAM GUIDE. February 2018 (Revised )

Transcription

1 HOME ACCESSIBILITY and REPAIR PROGRAM 2018 PROGRAM GUIDE February 2018 (Revised )

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION PROGRAM SUMMARY... 4 A. GRANTS Home Repair Home Repair Emergencies Weatherization Measures Verified Emissions Reduction Purchase Agreement Funds (VERPA): Pre-1976 Mobile Home Repair Accessibility Home Replacement... 6 B. JOB STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS... 6 C. PROPERTY STANDARDS Home Repair Grants Home Repair Emergency Grants Weatherization Grants Pre-1976 Mobile Home Repair Grants Accessibility Grants Home Replacement Grants... 7 D. FLOOD PLAINS... 7 E. CAA CONTRACTS AND FEES Program Waitlist Fees GENERAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS... 8 A. QUALIFIED LOW INCOME HOUSEHOLD Annual Gross Household Income Previous Grant Awards Conflict of Interest... 9 B. OWNERSHIP AND OCCUPANCY Proof of Ownership Occupancy C. ELIGIBLE PROPERTY Single Family Homes Commercial Activity Ineligible Property IMPROVEMENTS A. GENERAL B. EMERGENCY REPAIRS No Heat in the Winter Dangerous Electrical Systems Inoperable Toilet and Leaking Waste Pipes Severe Roof Leak Lack of Potable Water Supply Other Building Permits Lead-based Paint C. ELIGIBLE IMPROVEMENTS Home Repair Grants Home Repair Emergency Grants Weatherization Grants (VERPA) Home Accessibility and Repair Program Guide (rev ) 2

3 4. Pre-1976 Mobile Home Grants Accessibility Grants D. INELIGIBLE IMPROVEMENTS E. IMPROVEMENTS TO MANUFACTURED HOUSING OTHER A. ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTS B. PROGRAM FORMS AND SPREADSHEETS C. WEB ACCESS ( CAA PORTAL ) DEFINITIONS Home Accessibility and Repair Program Guide (rev ) 3

4 1. INTRODUCTION The purpose of the Home Accessibility and Repair Program (the Program ) is to provide grants to income eligible homeowners for professional home rehabilitation, repair, assistance with replacement and accessibility services (Grants). The Program is delivered by qualified non-profit Community Action Agencies (CAAs) who operate the Program in their respective service areas across the state. Contingent upon funding availability, the Program will utilize funds from the Real Estate Transfer Tax (State Home). This Home Accessibility and Repair Program Guide (the Guide ) is designed to provide users with information about Program rules, policies and other guidance for applicable funding years. The Guide is a working tool and will be kept up to date by MaineHousing staff. When Program guidelines or clarifications are made, MaineHousing will issue a notification and revised pages that must be added or replaced in this Guide. When income limits change, new charts will be issued for replacement and made available on MaineHousing s website at Every effort should be made to coordinate other programs administered by MaineHousing such as the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), Central Heating Improvement Program (CHIP), Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant Program, and Arsenic Remediation Program. Outside sources for additional funding may include, but are not limited to Rural Development and CDBG. The Home Accessibility and Repair Program Procedures Manual (the Manual ) is designed to provide users with guidance on how to administer projects funded by the Program. In addition, the Manual contains information about accessing and completing program forms, checklists and other documents referenced in the Guide. The Manual is a working document and will be updated as processes change. Whenever the Manual is updated, MaineHousing will users update notices, providing a brief summary of the updates and sections affected and will provide users with an Addendum to the Manual if practical. Any questions pertaining to the Guide should be directed to MaineHousing. The primary contact for this Program is Megan McDonough, Housing Program Officer with the Department of Energy and Housing Services at mmcdonough@mainehousing.org or at (toll free ) or Maine Relay 711. This Guide will be updated as needed. Current versions of the Procedures Manual and the Program Guide will reside on the CAA Portal. 2. PROGRAM SUMMARY Grant maximums represents the maximum MaineHousing investment, not necessarily the total costs to complete a project. When funds are leveraged, the project costs may exceed the maximum MaineHousing investment. The key components of the Program are summarized below: A. GRANTS Contingent upon funding, the grant may be provided as follows: 1. Home Repair A Home Repair Grant of up to $30,000 may be provided to single-family homes owned and occupied by persons with total household incomes at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) as established and published annually by The United State Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The grant is used to make essential improvements, including energy Home Accessibility and Repair Program Guide (rev ) 4

5 related repairs or improvements, to make improvements necessary to permit use by persons with disabilities or who are experiencing physical barriers living at the home, for lead-based paint mitigation and to repair or replace major housing systems in danger of failure. Home Repair Grants can be used towards home replacement projects. The replacement home must be new and no used mobile homes are eligible for purchase as replacement homes. Documentation submitted for home replacement projects must include a detailed scope of work (SOW); identify other funding sources and amounts being used to fund the total project cost; and clearly indicate what pieces of the SOW are being funded with MaineHousing dollars. Program funds cannot be used to complete a shell home. The home must be an existing and habitable structure to be eligible for rehabilitation assistance. Use of grant funds will require that the entire home be brought up to Warm Safe Dry (WSD) Standards a. 15% of Home Repair Grant funds shall be set aside for elderly projects for persons 60 years of age or older. b. 25% of the Home Repair Grant is set aside for emergency projects: See Section 4, Improvements. 2. Home Repair Emergencies See Section 4, Improvements for more information regarding Home Repair Emergency Grants. 3. Weatherization Measures Verified Emissions Reduction Purchase Agreement Funds (VERPA): In addition to funds for home repair activities, funds for weatherization activities may be allocated to CAAs on an individual, as requested basis. For each Weatherization Grant, up to an additional $2,500 may be used for weatherization measures until such time as the separate allocation has been exhausted. The Weatherization Grants can be used to provide weatherization assistance which increases the energy efficiency of dwellings, reduces the total residential energy expenditures, and improves the health and safety of the household. Examples of weatherization measures are provided in Section 4, Improvements. CAAs may take a 15% administration fee for weatherization dollars spent from the Weatherization Grant allocation until such time as the funds have been exhausted. Weatherization measures for a project may exceed the $2,500 on a project, however, expenses in excess of $2,500 must be taken from the Home Repair Grant allocation. When submitting invoices for Phase I and Phase II, expenditures and administrative expenses using the separate weatherization funds must be billed separately on the lines allocated on the invoice. 4. Pre-1976 Mobile Home Repair A Mobile Home Repair Grant of up to $15,000 may be provided to low-income (at or below 80% of AMI) single family households for emergency repairs and a grant of up to $30,000 towards home replacement. Replacement home must be new and no used mobile homes are eligible for purchase as replacement homes. If the Rehab Tech recommends a home replacement on the Pre Mobile Home Checklist, CAA must ensure that the Applicant is maintained on a home replacement waitlist Home Accessibility and Repair Program Guide (rev ) 5

6 5. Accessibility An Accessibility Grant of up to $15,000 may be provided to low-income (at or below 80% of the AMI) single family households, with an occupant or occupants with physical disabilities or who are experiencing physical barriers in their homes. A minimum of 75% of each grant shall be used for accessibility rehabilitation which will improve the quality of life of the resident who has a physical disability or is experiencing physical barriers within the home. Up to 25% of the grant may be used for basic necessary repairs to the home, so long as the accessibility rehabilitation is completed first. A WSD assessment is not required for Accessibility projects. A Home Accessibility Evaluation Form must be completed. 6. Home Replacement As noted in Item 1 of this section, Home Repair Grants can be used towards home replacement projects. The replacement home must be new and no used mobile homes are eligible for purchase as replacement homes. Documentation submitted for home replacement projects must include a detailed scope of work (SOW); identify other funding sources and amounts being used to fund the total project cost; and clearly indicate what pieces of the SOW are being funded with MaineHousing dollars. Program funds cannot be used to complete a shell home, repay prior loans on the existing home or property, pay taxes or other outstanding liabilities owed against the existing property. See Home Replacement Project Summary. The amount of the Grant for home replacement projects may not exceed $30,000. The recipient of the Home Replacement grant must agree to stay in the new replacement home for at least 5 years. The process for administering the Home Replacement Grant is described in the Manual. B. JOB STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS MaineHousing has adopted inspection and performance standards which are outlined in the Job Standards and Specifications which are attached to and made a part of the Construction Contract as Appendix A (Construction Contract). C. PROPERTY STANDARDS 1. Home Repair Grants The entire house must be brought up to WSD Standards and all repairs must be performed in accordance with written Job Standards and Specifications, Maine Uniform Building Energy Code (MUBEC) and local building codes (if applicable). 2. Home Repair Emergency Grants WSD Standards assessment is not required. CAA must reference eligible activities per Section 4, Improvements. 3. Weatherization Grants WSD Standards assessment is not required. CAA must reference eligible activities per Section 4, Improvements. 4. Pre-1976 Mobile Home Repair Grants WSD Standards assessment is not required. CAA must reference eligible activities per Section 4, Improvements Home Accessibility and Repair Program Guide (rev ) 6

7 5. Accessibility Grants WSD Standards assessment is not required. CAA must reference eligible activities per Section 4, Improvements. 6. Home Replacement Grants All work done as part of home replacement projects must be completed per a detailed scope of work; must be performed in accordance with written Job Standards and Specifications, Maine Uniform Building Energy Code (MUBEC), electric code (2017 NEC0, plumbing code (2015 UPC) and all local building codes. D. FLOOD PLAINS If the structure is located in a flood plain rehabilitation work may be done. E. CAA CONTRACTS AND FEES MaineHousing requires all CAAs to enter into a Program Contract each funding year. The Contract will set forth the Program requirements for each CAA. 1. Program Waitlist CAA must maintain a Program Waitlist and service applicants based on priority ranking established by the priority ranking score on the Eligibility Priority Spreadsheet found at Applicants receiving emergency funds or accessibility funds will be placed on the Waitlist and rated accordingly for future service to address home repair needs, in addition to what is addressed under the emergency scope identified in Section 4, Improvements. 2. Fees a. An administrative fee of 15% will be paid on a per job basis. The fee will be paid as follows: 10% of the project total to be paid upon MH s receipt and approval of a complete Phase 1 project documents submission. b. Remainder to be paid upon MaineHousing s receipt and approval of a complete Phase 2 packet submission. Typically this will be 5%. If there are change orders, the final administrative/support amount will be adjusted accordingly. c. No application fee can be assessed to Applicants for any of the Program s Grants. d. Dust Wipe Fees: CAA will receive funds for the dust wipes when wipes are required on a home repair projects with a lead component. e. Water Test Kits: CAA will ensure that homes served by private water sources have a well test completed if the homeowner is unable to provide test results showing that a well test has been completed in the preceding 12 months. CAAs will receive flat fee for conducting well tests at applicant/client homes as follows: 2018 Home Accessibility and Repair Program Guide (rev ) 7

8 i. $50.00 for CCI, WMCA and YCCAC; and ii. $70.00 for ACAP, DCP, KVCAP, PCAP and WCAP 1. This is a flat fee and will not be included in the calculation of the 15% administrative fee described above. Results from the water tests are to be issued to the homeowner and MaineHousing Inspection Fees/Home Visitation Fees: In instances when CAA staff conduct an initial inspection or home visit for a prospective, income eligible client and it is determined that repair or replacement measures under the Program are not possible, the CAA will receive a one-time, $150 fee to cover travel and staff time expenses. This fee is does not include the additional 15% administrative fee described above. If the prospective client does received services under this Program, the CAA is not eligible for the one-time, flat fee, but will be eligible for the 15% administrative fee described above. f. Home Replacement Grant Fees: All fees related to the processing Home Repair Grants, will be reimbursable to the CAA and will not be part of the $30,000 maximum amount of the grant. 3. GENERAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS A. QUALIFIED LOW INCOME HOUSEHOLD 1. Annual Gross Household Income The annual gross household income may not exceed the established HUD income limits for 80% AMI based on their location and adjusted for the size of the household at the time of application. When a Phase 1 package is uploaded to MaineHousing, income documentation cannot be more than 120 days old. For approved applicants, upon selection from the waitlist, if more than 120 days has elapsed from the date of application, the household s income and household composition will need to be re-verified by the CAA. To assess a household s eligibility, CAA shall consider three factors: a. annual gross household income (see Section 3.A.1, Annual Gross Household Income for definitions of inclusions and exclusions); b. household size; and c. HUD 80% AMI limits. Annual gross household income is the aggregate annual gross income for all household members for whom income is counted according to the definitions of this Guide. To determine annual gross household income, refer to Section 3.A.1, Annual Gross Household Income. Household size will affect maximum eligible income. CAAs must examine and maintain source documents evidencing the household s annual gross income (e.g., wage statement, interest statement, un-employment compensation statement, etc.). 1 The higher fee for select CAAs is due to the State Lab s requirement that test samples must be overnighted from these locations, resulting in a higher postage fee Home Accessibility and Repair Program Guide (rev ) 8

9 2. Previous Grant Awards With the exception of a Home Repair Emergency Grant or Accessibility Grant recipients or prior approved Septic Loan, applicants will generally not be allowed to receive more than one Program grant. Applicants who have previously received services, including a FIX ME, Common Home, MaineHousing Home Repair grant or loan, or an Elderly Hardship grant may not be eligible to apply for a Program Grant. These applicants, however, may be eligible for other loan or grant programs from funding sources outside of MaineHousing. 3. Conflict of Interest Any person or persons who exercise or have exercised any responsibilities with respect to activities assisted with Program funds or who are in a position to participate in decision-making activities or gain inside information with regard to these activities, are ineligible to apply for or obtain a financial interest from a Program assisted activity. MaineHousing requires monthly reporting from all CAAs for CAA personnel who have been approved or denied for a Program Grant. These cases will be subject to high percentage sampling for audit/review by MaineHousing staff. B. OWNERSHIP AND OCCUPANCY 1. Proof of Ownership a. In most instances a mortgage/property deed and most recent tax bill are required to verify ownership. In the event the home is a mobile home, bill of sale or certificate of title will be required in addition to any property deed and most recent tax bill. b. Life estates/leases are eligible provided the deed or agreement clearly states that the applicant has life rights to the property to be improved. The applicant in a life estate/lease situation must have occupied the home for at least one (1) year prior to application and documentation of the life estate/lease must also be in effect for one (1) year prior to the application date. A deed or agreement must clearly document the occupancy rule. c. Mobile homes must be owned by the Applicant. The Applicant must present bill of sale to document ownership. Owned mobile homes may be located on rented/leased land or owned land. A lot rental agreement must be submitted for mobile homes on leased/rented land. When mobile homes are located on rented/leased land, only the physical structure of the home is eligible for project improvements. In these situations, improvements to areas outside of the home are not eligible for improvements with Program grant funds, such as septic systems. All Applicants in mobile homes, whether or not the land is owned or leased by the applicant, may be eligible for the water test to determine the presence of arsenic, provided the mobile home receives its water supply from a private water source. d. The property may not have restrictions or encumbrances that would restrict the marketable nature of the owner s interest. Any evidence of outstanding tax liens or wastewater liens must be cleared before a grant can be approved. Applicants with past due property taxes who provide documentation of a payment plan with their municipality and are current with payments may be eligible for Program services. Property owners must be unable to provide or obtain financing for the improvements from other sources Home Accessibility and Repair Program Guide (rev ) 9

10 2. Occupancy a. An owner of the property who is seeking the assistance must be living in the home and all individuals listed on the property deed must be willing to sign the Grant paperwork, whether they live in the home or not. The homeowner must have owned and occupied the home for at least one (1) year prior to application. b. A homeowner can request Program funds only for their principal residence. Compliance with this requirement is evidenced by the signing of the Program Application which certifies that the property is their principal residence. c. Grants will not be considered or awarded to homeowners who are currently selling or planning to sell their home and/or property. Properties under active foreclosure may be deemed ineligible for the Program. C. ELIGIBLE PROPERTY A property may be deemed eligible for a Program Grant under the following conditions: 1. Single Family Homes Owner occupied single-family homes. For mobile homes built in 1976 or newer, the anticipated costs of repairs may not exceed 50% of the home s assessed value as determined by the municipality. 2. Commercial Activity Properties with an on-site trade or business may be eligible if no more than 15% of the area of the residence is being used in the trade or business. The area of the residence includes square footage of the total area of all buildings, including accessory buildings, but does not include land. Examples of commercial activity include use on a regular basis for storage of inventory, providing day care services in accordance with state regulations or other exclusive and regular use of the residence for a trade or business. Foster care is not considered a commercial use. The following method is to be used in determining the percentage of commercial activity. This method takes into consideration the percentage of time and floor space the home is used for commercial purposes using the following formula: Hours of business per week Square footage of rooms used x 168 (total hrs/week) Total sq. footage of residence = Commercial Use For example: Applicant "A" will operate a daycare facility in a 2,500 square foot residence nine hours a day, five days a week for a total of 45 hours a week. The percentage of time the unit is used for daycare services is 26.8% (45 divided by 168 x 100). The applicant has determined that 1,125 square feet or 45% (1,125 divided by 2,500 x 100) of the total square footage of the residence will be used for daycare. The commercial use of the residence is 12.06% (26.8% x 45% x 100) which complies with the 15% commercial use limit. 3. Ineligible Property A property is deemed ineligible for a Program grant under the following conditions: a. Rental properties are not eligible (homes of 2 units or more). b. Rehabilitation and/or site work to land owned by a person other than the Applicant Home Accessibility and Repair Program Guide (rev ) 10

11 4. IMPROVEMENTS A. GENERAL Program funds may be used to make essential improvements, including weatherization/energy-related repairs or improvements, to make improvements necessary to permit use by persons with disabilities or who are experiencing physical barriers living in the home, for lead-based paint mitigation, and/or to repair or replace major housing systems in danger of failure, and to address a severe housing condition threatening the health and safety of the homeowner(s) with repair or replacement as appropriate. Program funds cannot be used to complete a shell home. The home must be an existing and habitable structure to be eligible for rehabilitation. The rehabilitation work must meet or exceed local and state code and be conducted in accordance with written Job Standards and Specifications. For MaineHousing projects, with the exception of emergency, accessibility, and pre-1976 mobile home assistance, the entire building must meet WSD Standards after completion of rehabilitation work. Grant/Project Type Assessment Tool Used Project maximums* Project Eligibility Criteria Income eligible, single-family Property Inspection Form Home Repair $30,000 homes (post-1976 mobile Warm, Safe, Dry (WSD) homes) Home Repair- Emergencies Weatherization (VERPA) Pre-1976 Mobile Home Accessibility Home Replacement No assessment required. Reference eligible activities per Section 4, Improvements) No assessment required. Reference eligible activities per Section 4, Improvements) Pre-1976 Mobile Home Evaluation Form Home Accessibility Evaluation Form Property Inspection Form Warm, Safe, Dry (WSD) required for replacements under Home Repair Pre-1976 Mobile Home Evaluation Form required for Pre-1976 Mobile Homes $15,000 $2,500 $15,000 (for emergency repairs) $15,000 $30,000 (can be leveraged with other funding sources for replacement project) Income eligible, single-family homes (that meet definition of emergency). Verbal preapproval for emergency projects must be received from MaineHousing. Used in conjunction with Home Repair Grants Income eligible, single-family homes. Income eligible, single-family homes with an occupant or occupants with physical disabilities or who are experiencing physical barriers in their homes. Income eligible, single-family homes. * Waivers to exceed project maximums will be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on extenuating circumstances. Waivers must be pre-approved before any work commences Home Accessibility and Repair Program Guide (rev ) 11

12 B. EMERGENCY REPAIRS In general, for a situation to be classified as an emergency it must threaten the occupant s health or safety in some way. The following conditions constitute an emergency: 1. No Heat in the Winter All primary heating devices have failed and the house has no safe or appropriate heat source. Applicants receiving HEAP should be referred to the CHIP program if funding is available and the household meets the eligibility criteria. 2. Dangerous Electrical Systems This may be active short circuits that are capable of starting a house fire or service entrance equipment attached to the side of the house that has been damaged resulting in loss of power to the house. 3. Inoperable Toilet and Leaking Waste Pipes This would apply to a house with no operable toilets due to clogged drain pipes, collapsed subsurface drain pipes, or a failed septic system that is causing sewage to back up into the house. Also this would apply to homes where waste piping is leaking and sanitary sewage is leaking into the home. 4. Severe Roof Leak This would include some dramatic incident that caused immediate and severe roof leaks, such as a tree falling on and penetrating the roof or a wind storm that blew roof covering off resulting in severe leakage. Leakage must be severe or pose a threat to the electrical system or health and safety of the residents. 5. Lack of Potable Water Supply The home has no running cold potable water supply. As an example, this could be the result of a failed well pump. A failed domestic hot water heater, in most cases, is not considered an emergency situation. 6. Other Depending on the specific situation presented there may be other conditions which constitute an emergency situation outside of those specifically defined above. MaineHousing will be open to review other emergency scopes of work on a case by case basis, such as failed hot water heaters. CAA staff will present the specific situation on a Waiver Request Form, providing detail supporting classification of the situation as an emergency. MaineHousing will review all requests and respond with a determination. 7. Building Permits CAA shall ensure contractors obtain required local permits, when appropriate, from the authorizing jurisdiction before work commences and ensure required inspections occur. Copies of building permits must be placed in the project file Home Accessibility and Repair Program Guide (rev ) 12

13 8. Lead-based Paint An EPA, RRP certified firm, using certified workers, must perform all rehabilitation work, following EPA Final Rule, that disturbs a painted surface in excess of de minimis levels as defined in 24 CFR Part 35; unless the home tests negative for Lead-based Paint or was constructed on or after January 1, If the total investment in general rehabilitation work exceeds $25,000 and the home is presumed to contain lead-based paint, the home must undergo lead abatement by a certified lead abatement contractor in accordance with HUD regulations. NOTE: When using State Home funds contractors must follow the RRP Rule. Contractors must follow HUD Lead Safe Housing Rule including clearance testing requirements. C. ELIGIBLE IMPROVEMENTS Refer to the Job Standards and Specifications (Appendix A to the Construction Contract) for a detailed list of all project specifications. 1. Home Repair Grants Home Repair Grants generally include, but are not limited to, the following: a. Installed measures and overall work performed to meet local or state codes and/or to remove major building hazards. b. Remediation of environmental hazards including Lead-Based Paint. c. Health and safety and weatherization/energy improvements: i. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; ii. Caulking, weather-stripping, and other methods of reducing air infiltration; iii. iv. Storm or thermal windows and doors, thermal shades or shutters; Thermal insulation for ceilings, walls, floors, roofs, foundations, pipes, ducts and water heaters including interior vapor barrier and ventilation; v. Heating system installation or modifications (if not available through the CHIP program): furnace improvements to increase energy efficiency; replace burners which reduce the amount of fuel used; replace furnace or boiler; and or repair or replace wood/coal burning central heating systems; vi. Chimney construction or removal/replacement/repair; vii. Any other improvement which is demonstrated by a residential energy audit; performed by an energy auditor licensed under state law that meets Department of Energy Savings Investment Ratio; viii. Kitchen appliances: refrigerator & stoves are acceptable if they do not pass WSD: 2018 Home Accessibility and Repair Program Guide (rev ) 13

14 ix. Supplemental heating systems; Monitors, wood and pellet stoves (if not available through the CHIP program). d. Foundation repairs for single family homes. e. Repair of existing attached garages when incidental to other code required work or to achieve reasonable accommodation of a disabled person or used as living space (bedroom). f. Repair, replacement or upgrade of existing septic systems. g. On-site infrastructure costs (such as electrical wiring and connections and sewer and water piping) and off-site utility connections from the property line to an adjacent street. h. Accessibility improvements such as ramps; installation of handrails and grab bars; replacement of bathtubs with wheel-in showers; lowering of items such as sinks, electrical switches, and cupboards; widening of doorways; and provision of bathroom or bedroom space on the first floor level of the dwelling. i. Repair of an existing porch, if essential (decks not included). j. Conditions noted in Warm, Safe, Dry (WSD) Standards Inspection not specifically referenced above. k. Home replacement if deemed appropriate. 2. Home Repair Emergency Grants Home Repair Emergency Grants generally include, but are not limited to, the following: a. No heat in the winter. b. Dangerous electrical system. c. Inoperable toilet and leaking waste pipes. d. Severe roof leak. e. Lack of potable water supply. 3. Weatherization Grants (VERPA) Weatherization Grants generally include, but are not limited to, the following: a. Inspect/repair attic air sealing. b. Install/repair chimney by-pass. c. Insulate attic, walls, ceilings, floors and crawl spaces. d. Repair/replace existing attic access. e. Install/repair knee wall access. f. Install/replace vents. g. Install/replace ridge vents Home Accessibility and Repair Program Guide (rev ) 14

15 4. Pre-1976 Mobile Home Grants Pre-1976 Mobile Home Grants generally include, but are not limited to, the following: a. Severe roof leaks. b. Dangerous electrical and/or heating system. c. Inoperable toilets and leaky waste pipes. d. Structural integrity (spongy floors, floor joists, footers). e. No heat in winter. f. Lack of potable water supply g. Home replacement if deemed appropriate. 5. Accessibility Grants Accessibility Grants generally include, but are not limited to, the following: a. Changes to flooring to mitigate tripping hazards; b. Moving control items such as light switches to within reach ranges; c. Motion detecting lights; d. Adjustments to exterior site walking surfaces including any necessary grading; e. Creation of an accessible parking space; f. Widening of existing doorways for ease of access; g. Installation of: ii. i. access ramps; iii. iv. accessible door hardware; storage shelving and closet rods to within reach ranges; accessible toilet, bathroom sink, or kitchen sink; v. bathroom mirrors or medicine cabinets within lines of sight or reach ranges; vi. grab bars at plumbing fixtures; vii. roll-in showers; viii. transfer seats in showers; ix. bath tub seats; x. work counters in kitchens within lines of sight or reach ranges; xi. front-controlled cooking appliances; xii. alarm devices or doorbells for the hearing or visually impaired; xiii. lifts; xiv. keyless entry systems; and/or xv. other modifications reasonably necessary to make the residence accessible to an individual with a disability or who is experiencing physical barriers in their home and who resides or will reside in the residence Home Accessibility and Repair Program Guide (rev ) 15

16 D. INELIGIBLE IMPROVEMENTS Listed below are ineligible improvements. This is not an all-inclusive list; items not appearing are not automatically eligible. 1. Furniture, personal property; 2. Attached greenhouses; 3. Additions to mobile homes not resting on a slab with a frost wall or a foundation; 4. New Construction of garages, barns, sheds or other outbuildings; 5. Construction of new home or a shell home; 6. Completion of a new home or a shell home; 7. Construction of a new deck or patio; 8. Fences; 9. Fireplaces; 10. Generators (unless required for medical reasons); 11. Heating fuel; 12. Hot tub, Jacuzzi, whirlpool bath, sauna, bath house; 13. Landscaping, unless used for diversion of drainage ditches and/or lead in soil mitigation; 14. Paving driveways and/or walkways unless needed for accessibility; 15. Piers or steps to lake or water; 16. Tree surgery or removal (unless considered essential to protect home from damage); and/or 17. Central vacuum cleaner systems. E. IMPROVEMENTS TO MANUFACTURED HOUSING Manufactured housing that is 1976 or newer must meet or be improved to meet the following criteria to be eligible for a grant: 1. The home must be permanently attached or anchored to the land with anchors manufactured for that purpose in accordance with manufacturer s specifications and underpinned on all sides of the unit. 2. The home must be fully skirted and permanently connected to water, sewerage, electric, fuel, and similar facilities or utilities. 3. The wheels, axles, and hitch must be detached as part of the scope of work. 4. Cost of anticipated repairs may not exceed 50% of the home s value as assessed by the municipality Home Accessibility and Repair Program Guide (rev ) 16

17 5. OTHER A. ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTS Required Grant documents must be submitted to MaineHousing for review electronically via MaineHousing s ShareFile system. Electronic file submissions should only include required documents. CAAs should not submit documents intended to be housed in the CAA s internal project file. See the Procedures Manual for more information. B. PROGRAM FORMS AND SPREADSHEETS Project forms, spreadsheet and bundles are available on MaineHousing s website (CAA Portal): See the Procedures Manual for more information. C. WEB ACCESS ( CAA PORTAL ) MaineHousing has created a web portal exclusively for Maine Community Action Agencies (CAAs). Through this new portal, CAA staff can access forms, manuals, spreadsheets, and other tools needed to administer programs. The site also includes access to technical support information, updates, and notices. See the Procedures Manual for more information Home Accessibility and Repair Program Guide (rev ) 17

18 6. DEFINITIONS Accessibility Priority Annual Gross Household Income CAA Certified Firm (Lead) Clearance Examinations Codes Construction Contract Construction Escrow Agreement Elderly Priority Emergency Repair Priority Grant Funding Date Home Accessibility and Repair Program Contract The purpose of the Accessibility component of the Program is to provide grants to low-income single family households, with an occupant or potential occupant(s) with physical disabilities or who are experiencing physical barriers in their homes. Total annual gross household income from all included sources defined in this Guide. Community Action Agency Certified Firm means a firm that has received EPA certification to perform renovations as covered by the Final Rule (745.82). Firms that perform renovations for compensation must apply to EPA for certification to perform renovations or dust sampling. To apply, a firm must submit to EPA a completed "Application for Firms,'' signed by an authorized agent of the firm, and pay a fee. To maintain its certification, a firm must be recertified by EPA every 5 years. Sampling of dust and/or soil for the purposes of ascertaining that no lead hazards exist as a result of renovation, remodeling, interim controls or lead abatement work. Regulations or professional standards relating to the uses of materials and the required level of workmanship to install those materials. A contract between the CAA, Applicant and contractor describing the work to be performed and upon which the grant is based. Note: inspection and performance standards are outlined in the Job Standards and Specifications which is attached to and made a part of the Construction Contract as Appendix A. Agreement among CAA, homeowner, and contractor which governs disbursements to pay rehabilitation costs. A grant made available to single family homes owned and occupied by a person at least 60 years of age, whose income is at or below 80 % AMI. Grant is used to finance health and safety and/or accessibility repairs. A severe housing condition that threatens the health and safety of the homeowner(s) and other household members. The date MaineHousing funds any grant pursuant to the Home Accessibility and Repair Program Contract. A contract between MaineHousing and the CAA setting forth their obligations to each other under the Home Accessibility and Repair Program (HARP) Home Accessibility and Repair Program Guide (rev ) 18

19 Home Repair Grant MaineHousing Manufactured or Mobile Home Qualified Contractor Priority Waitlist Rehab Tech A grant made available to owner-occupied single family households whose income is at or below 80% AMI. Grant is used to make essential improvements, including energyrelated repairs or improvements, to make improvements necessary to permit use by persons with disabilities living at the home, for Lead Paint Mitigation and to repair or replace major housing systems in danger of failure. The Maine State Housing Authority. Mobile home means a residence which is constructed at a manufacturing facility on a permanent chassis (i.e. the wheel assembly necessary to transport the residence is removable, but the steel undercarriage remains intact as a necessary structural component) and is transportable in one or more sections, which in traveling mode is 12 body feet or more in width and as erected on site is 600 or more square feet. A contractor who has submitted an application along with required supporting documentation, including proof of required insurance coverage and appropriate licenses for initial review and approval by CAA and final review and approval by MaineHousing. A waitlist maintained by each CAA which provides scored priority based on income, liquid assets, age of household members, health and safety threats to the household and the need for assistive services. Each category is provided a weighted score. A waitlist template is provided and can be found at agencies/homerepair. A person who is employed by a CAA who has been trained in and whose primary function is to meet with the homeowner at their home to determine what items of rehabilitation must be done to the home to meet applicable project standards. The Rehab Tech is responsible for work write-ups and specifications, inspections of work in progress and delivery of applicable disclosures. Rehabilitation Standards Written benchmark standards set forth in Appendix A. RRP Rule Renovation, Repair & Painting (RRP) Certified On or before April 22, 2010, all covered renovations must be performed by Renovation, Repair & Paint Rule Certified Firms, using Certified Renovators and other trained workers. A contractor or individual who has successfully completed an accredited EPA Lead course Home Accessibility and Repair Program Guide (rev ) 19