Home Repair and Improvement Loan Program
Get the funding you need to repair, upgrade, and protect your home. The Boston Home Center provides flexible financing for Boston homeowners to tackle virtually any home project — from urgent structural and mechanical fixes to energy-efficiency upgrades.
APPLY NOWThe new application to these programs is available in multiple languages upon request, and will be made available on this page within the next two weeks. Reach out at housing@boston.gov for more information. View the printable paper version of the application.
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26 Court Street
Boston, MA 02108
About the Program
The Boston Home Center (BHC) offers staff support and financial assistance to Boston homeowners to complete necessary home repairs and improvements that promote health, safety, energy efficiency, home comfort, and long-term housing stability. The Home Repair and Improvement Program provides a single source of financing for a broad range of qualifying work, including structural, mechanical, and exterior repairs as well as energy efficiency, weatherization, and decarbonization improvements.
Homeowners are paired with a BHC Project Manager (PM) and a BHC Construction Specialist (CS) who provide technical assistance throughout the project, from initial assessment through final inspection and payment.
We offer deferred, interest-free loans of up to $50,000 for Boston homeowners of 1 - 4 family homes or condos in associations of 6 units or less. Eligible participants must have a household income of no more than 135% Area Median Income.*
*Additional funding may be available for homeowners with a household income of 80% Area Median Income and below, and with properties built before 1978.
Our loans have no monthly payments and do not accrue interest, and only become due once you sell your home, transfer ownership of your property, or refinance. ⅓ of the full loan amount is forgiven after 10 years of continuous owner-occupancy.
- Seniors (60+): We can handle the details for you, including estimating project costs, prioritizing emergency repairs, and bidding your project to our in-house contractor team.
- Under Age 60: There are two pathways available, based on income level.
- If your household income is at or below 80% AMI, you have access to our full-service option and can use our convenient in-house contractor services.
- If your household income is above 80% and up to 135% AMI, you will need to find and hire your own independent contractor to complete the work.
Who is eligible?
To participate in the Home Repair & Improvement Program, homeowners must:
- Own and occupy a 1–4 family home or a condo in an association of 6 units and under in Boston
- Plan to do your repair work in the home you occupy
- Have an annual household income at or below 135% Area Median Income (AMI) - Note - If your income is between 120% and 135% AMI, this program requires a 50/50 cost share. You will need to match your BHC loan dollar-for-dollar using personal savings or a bank loan.
- Have less than $100,000 in financial assets — including cash, equity in non-primary real estate, and investment funds. Equity in your primary residence, government-approved retirement funds, and college savings plans are excluded. Note - Seniors (60+) are exempt from the asset limit requirement.
- Be current on City accounts, including property taxes, mortgage payments, and water bills.
COVERED REPAIRS VS EXCLUSIONS
Covered VS Excluded
Tackle Routine Maintenance and Health & Safety Repairs
- Roof, gutter, and masonry work
- Porch, steps, & structural safety
- Kitchen or bathroom renovations
- Siding, masonry, and exterior painting
- Flooring
- Electrical upgrades
- Basement water management
- Door / window repair or replacement
- Increasing or extending living space
And other repairs that make your home more habitable!
Future-Proof your Home and Cut Utility Bills
- Air-source heat pumps & HVAC upgrades
- Insulation and air-sealing
- Installation of energy-efficient appliances, like induction stoves or heat pump water heaters
- Removal of asbestos, vermiculite, or knob-and-tube wiring
- Home repairs or upgrades to install rooftop solar panels
And other upgrades to improve home efficiency!
Ineligible Repairs or Projects
- Luxury finishes or amenities, like a jacuzzi or granite countertops
- Driveways or landscaping
- Fixes to retaining walls
- Building new dwellings in attics or basements - if you are interested in creating new living space in your basement or attic, check out our ADU Financial Assistance Program instead.
- Work completed before loan approval - we don’t reimburse for work already done.
How to Apply
How to ApplyReview the eligibility criteria above. If you have questions about whether you qualify, contact the Boston Home Center at 617-635-4663 or homecenter@boston.gov.
- Applicants under 60 (earning over 80% AMI): Obtain estimates from at least two licensed and insured contractors to submit with your application. BHC staff can help guide you on what estimates should include.
- Seniors (60+) or applicants earning 80% AMI or less: You can skip this step for now! BHC will assist you in getting contractor estimates after you apply.
You will need to submit the following with your application:
- A completed Home Repair & Improvement Program application.
- Two contractor estimates for the proposed work (only required upfront if under 60 and over 80% AMI)
- Income documentation for all household members (recent pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements).
- Documentation of household financial assets.
- Proof that you are current on property taxes, mortgage, and water bills.
Submit your completed application and supporting documents to the Boston Home Center. Staff will review your application, verify your income and eligibility, and confirm the project scope. You may use our online application to easily apply online.
APPLY ONLINE PAPER APPLICATION
If you’re a senior (60+), we offer hands-on assistance through the following local senior agencies to help you complete your application and determine what repairs your home needs. Use the list below to determine which agency provides coverage to your neighborhood:
| Agency | Neighborhoods |
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Ecumenical Social Action Committee (ESAC) Address: 434 Jamaicaway Contact: Kim Pressey, 617-524-2555, extension 104 |
Dorchester (02122, 02124) Mattapan (02126) Allston (02134) Brighton (02135) Hyde Park (02136) Readville (02137) Jamaica Plain (02130) Roslindale (02131) West Roxbury (02132) |
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Neighborhood of Affordable Housing (NOAH) Address: 143 Border St., Boston, MA 02128 Contact: Anthony D’Andrea, 617-418-8265 |
East Boston (02128) North End (02113) West End (02114) Charlestown (02129) |
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Tenants Development Corporation (TDC) Address: 566 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA 02118 Contact: Maria DePina, 857-362-0287 |
Roxbury (02119, 02120,02121) Dorchester (02121,02125,02127) Boston Central (02108,02110,02111) South Boston (02127) South End (2118) Fenway (02115) Back Bay (02116) |
We’ll send out a specialist to meet you and review your project before we approve the loan. If your home has any health or safety repair issues, we'll put you at the top of our list.
If we approve your loan, we’ll give you a commitment letter and schedule a loan closing. Once you have closed on the loan, you can sign an agreement with your contractor and they can get a building permit. Boston Home Center program staff will monitor construction progress and approve payment requests your contractor makes.
Questions?
Mayor’s Office of Housing staff are available to answer questions and support you throughout the process.
Reach out to us at homecenter@boston.gov or call 617-635-4663 to have someone reach out to you.
Who's Involved:
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26 Court Street
Boston, MA 02108
