Rental / Homeowner Programs

In addition to programs described below, federal loan programs are available for mortgages, home improvements, energy efficiency, disaster victims, and veterans.

DOWN PAYMENT / MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AGENCY
Down Payment Assistance Loan 1st time homebuyers. Income requirements. Deferred mortgage loan, payable until re-sale or transfer of property. 50% forgiven after 5 yrs. of occupancy. County program administered by: Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland Viktoria Kotov - 216-458-4663 x 2324
First-Time Homebuyer Program Downpayment and closing cost assistance for low/moderate income applicants. Ohio Housing Finance Agency 614-466-7970
Down Payment Assistance 2.5% or 5% of home purchase price to use toward down payment, closing costs, or pre-closing expenses. Forgiven after 7 years Ohio Housing Finance Agency 614-466-7970
Grants for Grads Program Mortgage interest rate discount and down payment assistance to recent grads. D.P. assistance forgiven after 5 years if grad remains in Ohio.  Ohio Housing Finance Agency 614-466-7970
Ohio Heroes Program Mortgage interest rate discount to U.S. veterans, active duty miliary teachers, licensed/certified patient caregivers, police officers, firefighters, EMTs and others who serve the public.  Ohio Housing Finance Agency 614-466-7970
Mortgage Tax Credit  Federal tax credit of up to 40% of annual mortgage interest (max. $2,000).   Ohio Housing Finance Agency 614-466-7970
203(k) Loan Program (for home repairs) Amount of repairs, up to $35,000. added to primary mortgage.  Ohio Housing Finance Agency 614-466-7970
Next Home 30 year, fixed rate mortgages and down payment assistance to buyers who currently own a home but lack equity to purchase a new home.   Ohio Housing Finance Agency 614-466-7970

Homeowners having difficulty paying their mortgage should call "211" for referral to nonprofit counseling agencies that may be able to help negotiate payment plans or loan modifications and possibly offer one-time mortgage payment assistance.                                           

Tenants concerned that the home or apartment they rent may be in foreclosure should also call "211" for referral to nonprofit agencies that may be able to help with advice on tenants' rights and assistance with moving costs if needed. One such agency that assists tenants is Cleveland Tenants Organization, at (216) 432- 0617. With financial support from Cuyahoga County, mailings are sent to tenants when the home they rent first goes into foreclosure. This advance warning allows tenants time to plan for an orderly move, instead of having to move on short notice when the foreclosure process is complete.


HOME REPAIR PROGRAMS

Program Description Agency
Housing Enhancement Loan Program (H.E.L.P) Allows homeowners in most Cuyahoga County communities (including Solon) to borrow money for repairing or remodeling homes at 3 percentage points below a bank’s market rate for home improvement loans. No income restrictions. Few limitations on eligible improvements. Owner occupied and investment properties are eligible.
Cuyahoga County 216-443-2149
Applications available at any bank branch of these participating banks: Huntington Bank, KeyBank, PNC Bank
4COM Home Repair Loan Program Loans for low-and-moderate income homeowners with the repair and /or replacement of the following four major housing components: Roof, Electrical, Furnace, and Plumbing – including sanitary sewer connections County Dept. of Development 216-348-4066
Home Repair Loan Program Loan and assistance w. job specs, cost estimates, contractor selection, project oversight. May be used for energy efficiency improvements.
216-458-HOME X2330
Housing Revenue Bond Program Available to nonprofit and for profit developers to purchase, construct, or rehabilitate multi-family housing projects. County Dept. of Development email Sara Parks Jackson or call 216-443-8160
     



ENERGY  EFFICIENCY;  UTILITIES PAYMENT ASSISTANCE

Program Description Agency
Home Energy Assistance Programs (HEAP) Annual one-time credit toward payment of utility bill for income eligible. Ohio Development Services Agency 800-282-0880
Winter Crisis Program (WCP) Annual one-time benefit to heat utility provider account. May be used for utility disconnection, new service , transfer service, fuel tank replacement, furnace repair, purchase of electric heaters. Ohio Development Services Agency 800-282-0880
Summer Crisis Program (SCP) Annual one-time benefit to electric provider, or for purchase of fans and air conditioners. Ohio Development Services Agency 800-282-0880
Home Weatherization Assistance (HWAP) Energy efficient program that reduces energy used of qualified households, based on home energy efficiency assessment. Ohio Development Services Agency 800-282-0880
Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP Plus) Extended payment plan based on % of household income. Ohio Development Services Agency 800-282-0880
ECO-Link Up to 3% interest rate reduction on bank loans for energy efficient upgrades, including insulation, windows, doors, solar energy products, heating, cooling, and water systems, appliances, renewable energy products.
800-228-1102
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit Personal tax credit on installation of solar electric and solar water heating equipment through 12/31/2021. Internal Revenue Service



RENTERS ASSISTANCE

Programs Description Agency
Rental Information Center, Eviction Diversion, Tenant Advocacy, Healthy Homes Tenant rights & obligations, finding housing, evictions
216-432-0617
MUNICIPAL PROGRAMS    
Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program (HRLP) For low-mod income homeowners to assist with repair/replacement of: roof, electrical, furnace, plumbing. Senior citizens may qualify for a deferred loan (deferred until property title transfers). County Dept. of Development 216-348-4066
Lead Safe Program Available in targeted communities. NOT AVAILABLE IN SOLON County Dept. of Development
Heating Repairs Free heating system repairs. County program administered by Community Housing Solutions 216-231-5815


HOME MODIFICATIONS & ASSISTIVE DEVICES

Program Description Agency
Home Modification & Assistive Devices Program For Cuyahoga, Geauga and Lake County residents with disabilities. Assists with minor home modifications, adaptive devices, assistive technology, temporary ramps. Services for Independent Living Email Laura Gold or call 216-731-1529.