Los Altos provides home rehabilitation loans to residents through its Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program. Funded through the federal Community Development Block Grant program, the program provides low-interest amortized or deferred loans up to $50,000, to income-eligible homeowners.

The funds may be used for home repairs that correct housing code violations, alleviate overcrowding, minimize potential fire hazards and improve health, safety, accessibility and home security conditions. Examples of eligible work include electrical and plumbing repairs, new flooring, heating and weatherization improvements, kitchen and bathroom remodels, painting, roof repair, structural reinforcement and repair of termite damage.

The Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program offers a practical solution to lower-income residents, particularly seniors and others on fixed incomes, faced with a list of costly home repairs. The program helps residents stay in their homes when they might otherwise be forced to sell and contributes to the general safety and attractiveness of Los Altos neighborhoods.

Eligibility is based on federal income limits by household size. In order to qualify, a household’s annual income must not exceed 80 percent of the current median income in Santa Clara County, as determined by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. For example, a family of four must have an annual income no greater than $84,900, a two-person household may not exceed an annual income of $67,900.

The Santa Clara County Housing and Community Development Department administers the city’s Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program.

For more information or to obtain an application, call (408) 441-0261.