The Home Improvement Program ensures that Boise residents can remain stably housed by helping homeowners make necessary repairs to ensure their home is safe and energy efficient.
Home Improvement Program
Who is eligible to apply?
Residents with a household income under 80% of the Area Median Income and who own a home within Boise City limits can apply for assistance.
What types of projects can be done?
This program is designed to assist homeowners with urgent repairs that are needed to maintain their homes. Eligible repairs include things directly related to life safety or City building code violations, as well as accessibility and energy efficiency improvements.
Some examples of eligible projects include:
- Repair/replacing roofs
- Repairs to plumbing, electrical, and heating/cooling systems
- Structural repairs
- Improvements to provided ADA accessibility
- Repair/replacement of doors and windows
- Energy efficiency repairs/upgrades
One of the City’s Rehab Coordinators will assist in determining the work that the home needs.
How is assistance provided?
Eligible households can receive assistance either through a Forgivable Loan, a Deferred Loan, or a Traditional Loan, depending on household income. All loans are recorded as a lien on the property.
| Households at or below 30% AMI | Households at 31-50% AMI | Households at 51-80% AMI | |
Loan Type | Forgivable | Deferred | Traditional |
Interest Rate | 0% | 0% | Variable, max. 3% |
| Term | < $15,000: 5 years $15,001-$25,000: 10 yrs $25,001 - $35,000: 15 yrs $35,001+: 20 yrs | N/A | 1 year / $2,000 borrowed |
Repayment | Forgiven in annual increments over the term | Due upon sale or transfer | Amortized monthly payment |
How do I apply?
Generally, projects will move through the Home Improvement process in the order in which completed applications are submitted in Neighborly. When an application reaches the top of the waitlist the applicant will be contacted to begin the repair process. Emergency repairs may be moved to the top of the waitlist.
All projects are subject to available program funding and staff capacity to manage projects.
For technical application support, contact us.
What other requirements are there?
By participating in the Home Improvement Program, households receiving assistance agree to maintain the assisted property as their primary residence throughout the term of the loan. The property may not be leased, rented, or converted to commercial use. The City will verify that homeowners are still occupying their homes on an annual basis.
Contractors
The city is seeking to develop a list of interested contracting firms who want to receive information about projects to bid on.
Through the Home Improvement program, the city’s Rehab Coordinator works with the homeowner to identify repairs, develops plan specifications, identifies contractors to complete the project, and manages the invoicing and other needed project coordination. Homeowners qualify for the program through an application basis and all improvements are federally funded through grants or low interest loans provided by the city to the homeowner.
Document Translation
Any document on Housing and Community Development's website can be translated into other languages upon request.
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Thank you for your interest in the City of Boise's Housing and Loans program. Please use the form below to contact a member of our team.