More Money for Landlords to Fix Lead

Effective immediately and until further notice, Get the Lead Out! program financing arrangements for landlords have been increased to $12,000 for the first unit served.  The co-pay has also been reduced to $500 per unit.

 

Get the Lead Out! program is offering increased incentives to owners of single-family rental properties in an effort to make more of Grand Rapids housing units lead-safe for children.

 

Under the new financing arrangement for rental units, the program will finance up to $12,000 for the first unit, $4000 for the second unit, and $8000 each for the third and fourth units on a single property. Prior to this change, $8,000 was provided per unit. Also effective immediately and until further notice, co-pays are reduced from $1,000 to $500 per unit. These changes are intended to encourage inclusion of single-family rental properties in the program. Paul Haan, Executive Director at the Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan said, “The partnership is offering this incentive because we know that families with young children prefer to rent single-family homes, and we know that in these tight times, landlords need access to working capital to make those homes safe.” Those interested in the program should apply prior to October 1, 2011 to be included in the currently funded program.  Renewal funding to extend the program beyond the end of 2011 will be sought from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in a competitive proposal process later this year, but is not guaranteed for Grand Rapids. There currently are sufficient construction funds to meet demand, even at this increased cost per unit.

 

Since 2005, this collaborative project has made more than 970 Grand Rapids housing units lead-safe.

 

Learn more by visiting http://www.GetTheLeadOutGR.com or calling (616) 241-3300.