Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I get Housing Preservation Loan Fund (HPLF) assistance for a property located outside of Hartford?

• No.  HPLF is a City of Hartford program for residential properties located within the City of Hartford only.

2. Are HPLF funds provided to property owners as a grant?

• No.  HPLF funds are loaned to property owners and are secured by a mortgage lien on the property.

3. Who is eligible for assistance through HPLF?

• Basic eligibility for an HPLF loan is determined by the income of the property owner and/or the affordability of the rental units for the low-income tenants.  (See the table above for more information.)

4. Are there any household income or rent restrictions for multi-family properties?

• Yes, generally speaking, at least 51% of property occupants must be low-income households (at or below 80% of the Hartford area median family income).  Rent restrictions may apply to the low-income tenant households.

5. Which kinds of home improvements are eligible?

• General property improvements and repairs, including housing or building code violation corrections, energy conservation measures, and handicapped accessibility.  Exterior work to help preserve or protect the structure, such as painting, roofing, siding and window replacement.  Interior work to make a structure more livable, such as painting and plastering.  Structural repairs, restoration or replacement of heating, plumbing, or electrical systems.

6. Are there home improvements that are not eligible?

• Yes, a number of property improvements are not eligible.  Examples of ineligible items are hot-tubs, recreation rooms, landscaping, and room additions.

7. Will my property be inspected for lead-based paint hazards?

• If your home was built before 1978 and the rehabilitation work will disturb painted surfaces lead-based paint hazards must be identified and corrected during the rehabilitation project.

8. What loan terms are offered for lead-based paint hazard evaluation and remediation?

• Deferred loans (0%) will be offered to program eligible owner-occupants at any household income level, and investor owners that qualify as low/moderate income households.  Eligible investor owners with household incomes above 80% of the Hartford area median will be offered low interest loans.

9. What is a deferred loan?

• Deferred loans carry no interest rate and require no monthly payments.  The loan’s full principal balance is due upon transfer of title to a non-borrower.

10. If I’m approved for a loan how will the rehabilitation work get completed?

• The City will work with you to develop the job specifications.  The City facilitates the project by putting the job out to bid to the program’s participating contractors, and selecting the winning bid.  The homeowner signs an agreement with the contractor, monitors the construction progress and ultimately approves the completed work.

11. Can I apply for an HPLF loan if my property is vacant or partially vacant?

• Yes, as long as the property is habitable or will be habitable after the completion of the work.  Vacant units must be leased within 60 days of project completion.  At the time of lease up owners must provide certification of tenants' household income level and copies of leases.

12. Can I get a home improvement loan from the City through HPLF if I received assistance from the City to purchase my home?

• No, not until your HouseHartford (or Appraisal Gap Financing) affordability period is complete.

13. How can I learn more about the HPLF program?

• For more information regarding HPLF contact Brian Mathews at 757-9031 or Sharon Bailey at 757-9032.