Home repair loans for low-income seniors and people with disabilities

Low-income Berkeley homeowners who have a permanent disability or are at least 62 years old can apply for interest-free, deferred loans from the City to repair their homes. 

You can borrow up to $60,000 for non-emergency repairs, like a new roof, exterior painting, ADA access, solar panels, and more.  

You also do not have to repay the loan until you sell or transfer the property, move out, or the loan reaches its 30-year maturity date, whichever occurs first.

You may be eligible if: 

• You own and live in a single-family home or duplex
• Your household meets low-income limits — for example: $87,550 for one person, $100,050 for two people, and up to $145,100 for a six-person household

This program, as well as others funded by the City and offered through local nonprofits, keeps people in their homes by preserving the housing they already have. Every year, the City spends an estimated $400,000 on this program and manages six to ten active projects to help households stay safely in their home.  

Email SDRLP@berkeleyca.gov or call (510) 981-5412. Program staff are actively recruiting applicants for the waitlist, so now is a great time to get in touch.

Assistance for seniors and individuals with disabilities

Seniors ages 62 and older and individuals with a permanent disability are eligible for the Seniors and Disabled Rehabilition Loan Program.  

You need to own and live in the unit you want to repair. Your home must be in the City of Berkeley and be a single-family home or duplex.  

Your household income must be at or below 80% Area Median Income. The maximum income limits depend on the number of people in your household:

• One person: $87,550
• Two people: $100,050
• Three people: $112,550
• Four people: $125,050
• Five people: $135,100
• Six people: $145,100

Contact SDRLP@berkeleyca.gov or call (510) 981-5412 if you are interested in getting on the waitlist. Please provide your full name and property address.

Loans can fund non-emergency repairs

Loan amounts can be up to $60,000 and cover only the non-emergency repairs listed below: 

• Roof repair
• Exterior house painting
• Inadequate or hazardous heating or air condition systems
• Windows
• Inadequate or defective plumbing systems (e.g. non-emergency sewer laterals, etc.)
• Inadequate or hazardous electrical system
• Insulation-attic & crawl space
• ADA access improvements
• Solar panels 

These repairs can help you stay in your home longer and more safely.  

A couple in West Berkeley used their loan to replace a leaky roof and install solar panels. Back-up power from solar ensures they can continue using their ventilator, motorized wheelchairs, and heat their home during power outages. 

Becky told us: "The power was out for 20 hours one winter. It got so cold our fingers started to go numb. After that we thought, let’s go ahead and do the solar panels.” With their new roof and solar power, Becky and her husband said they feel more secure about staying in their home for the long-term. 

Additional home repair programs

The City funds other programs, offered through local non-profits, to help you make repairs to your home. 

Accessibility modifications for individuals with disabilities

• Residential Access Program, operated by the Center for Independent Living
• Eligibility: Low- to moderate-income Berkeley residents with disabilities
• Free ADA access improvements
• Example projects: Exterior lifts or ramps, flexible shower hoses, flashing doorbells, tactile stair tread, handrails

Minor repairs for low-income homeowners

• Safe at Home Program, operated by Rebuilding Together East Bay Network
• Eligibility: Low-income homeowners in Berkeley
• Free home repairs, up to and estimated $5,000
• Example projects: minor ADA access improvements and minor health & safety repairs home repairs

City strategies to support affordable housing

The Seniors and Disabled Rehabilition Loan Program preserves existing homes owned by low-income seniors and people with disabilities so they can continue to age in place and live safely in their homes. Preserving existing housing is often the most cost-effective way to ensure affordable housing and prevent displacement. The loans are funded through the City’s Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) program and CalHome funds. 

This loan program is managed by the City's Housing and Community Services Division, a part of the Department of Health, Housing and Community Services. In addition to managing the City's Seniors and Disabled Rehabilition Loan Program, the Housing and Community Services Division uses several other strategies to expand affordable housing opportunities. 

Get the repairs you need to stay in your home. Check your eligibility for interest-free Seniors and Disabled Home Rehab Loans. Email SDRLP@berkeleyca.gov or call (510) 981-5412 to ask about getting added to the waitlist.

links

• Seniors and Disabled Home Rehab Loans (City of Berkeley)
• Additional home repair programs:
  • Residential Access Program (Center for Independent Living)
  • Safe at Home Program (Rebuilding Together East Bay Network)
• Affordable Housing in Berkeley