How Pennsylvania’s New Whole Home Repair Program Can Help You

The Whole Home Repair Program is funded through the state budget and offers grants and loans to homeowners and landlords who struggle to pay for necessary home repairs.

Pennsylvanians can soon access state assistance to pay for needed home repairs thanks to a new program.

Included in the state’s 2022-23 budget is $125 million for the Whole Home Repair Program, which is geared toward helping lower to middle-income residents who might struggle to pay for necessary repairs, and could be forced from their homes as a result.

The state estimates that 280,000 occupied housing units are in need of repair. Deferred maintenance issues such as leaky windows, blown fuses, or dangerous exposed wiring can have far-reaching social ramifications. Making home repairs can reduce crime, maintain neighborhood affordability, and preserve housing. 

Introduced by Sen. Nikil Saval (D-Philadelphia), the Whole Home Repair Program would award funds to government and nonprofit entities to distribute to qualifying homeowners and landlords.

Funds must be used for:

• Habitability concerns (leaking roof, bad plumbing, etc.)
• Energy or water efficiency improvements
• Accessibility for persons with disabilities

Who’s Eligible?

Homeowners earning up to 80% of the median income in their area are eligible for grants of up to $50,000.

Landlords who own five properties or less are eligible for a loan of up to $50,000 with restrictions on how much they can charge for rent.

The Department of Community and Economic Development will oversee the program. No date has been given for when counties and other groups can start applying for funding.

“Pennsylvania has some of the oldest housing stock in the nation, and Pennsylvanians in every county are living in aging, unsafe homes because they can’t afford critical repairs,” Saval said. “When a person is given what they need to stay safe and healthy in their home, that’s an immediate and permanent benefit. Their families are protected from health hazards. Their utility bills go down for good. Their communities are stabilized.”