Native American Housing Rehabilitation Program

The basic objective of the Housing Rehabilitation Program is to improve the housing of income eligible members of the Honey Lake Maidu Tribe in a manner that conserves existing housing stock and contributes to neighborhood revitalization and preservation.

This program is administered by the Economic Development (ED) Department. The Housing Rehabilitation Program is funded by State grant funds awarded to Lassen County by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program.

Applicant Eligibility

  • Native American - The program is limited to the Honey Lake Maidu, a non-federally recognized Indian tribe. Applicant must be included on their organizations adopted list of members.
  • Owner-Occupant - Native American applicant must be the owner and occupant of the structure to be rehabilitated, certify the home is not being offered for sale and is their primary residence.
  • Owner-Investor - Applicant must be the owner of the structure to be rehabilitated and certify the home is not being offered for sale.

Income Eligibility

  • Owner-Occupant - Household income must be equal to, or less than the currently established income guidelines, as provided by HCD. The owner will be required to provide income documentation, which will be verified by staff during the application process.
  • Owner-Investor - There are no restrictions on the income of the owner-investor unless the owner is interested in qualifying for a deferred payment loan. Household income must be equal to, or less than the currently established income guidelines, as provided by HCD. The owner will be required to provide income documentation, which will be verified by staff during the application process.
  • Tenant - If a rental is currently occupied, the tenant's household income must be equal to, or less than the currently established income guidelines, as provided by HCD. The tenant will be required to provide income documentation, which will be verified by staff during the application process.

CLICK HERE to see if you qualify under the income limits for the program.

Property Eligibility

Both owner-occupied and rental residential properties located in Lassen County, are eligible for rehabilitation financing. Eligible dwellings include: single-family homes, duplexes, mobile homes on a permanent foundation, and apartment units.

Eligible Activities

All improvements must be physically attached to the property and permanent in nature. All activities defined under Priorities I thru III must be addressed before Priority IV can be considered. A specific example of each Priority is listed below, but is not limited to:

  • Priority I - Code Violations
    • Electrical wiring, fixtures or systems
  • Priority II - Architectural Barrier Removal
    • Installation of ramps
  • Priority III - Efficient Energy Systems
    • Solar technology
  • Priority IV - Allowable, Additional Improvements
    • Disposal, refrigerator, stove and dishwasher
  • Luxury Items are not allowed
    • Carports or garage

Grants

The maximum grant amount for eligible Native American residents is $100,000 per household. The grant amount shall not exceed the value of the home after rehabilitation.

Limitation Agreement

The Limitation Agreement is required for all grant assisted units. This agreement will be recorded with a first or second deed of trust, in the form of a forgivable loan, against the property as security. The agreement will contain a period of affordability, this is the time period that an applicant shall not sell, transfer title, or discontinue use as an income-limited residence, as discussed below, in the rehabilitated property. The affordability requirements will be based on the amount of housing rehabilitation funds provided for the property and are set forth below.

Housing Rehabilitation Funds Provided
Affordability Period
$90,001 - $100,000
5 Year Limitation Agreement
$70,001 - $90,000
4 Year Limitation Agreement
$50,001 - $70,000
3 Year Limitation Agreement
$30,001 - $50,000
2 Year Limitation Agreement
$10,001 - $30,000
1 Year Limitation Agreement
$00,000 - $10,000
No Limitation Agreement

Fair Housing

Although eligibility is limited, this program will be implemented in ways consistent with Lassen County's commitment to Fair Housing. No person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefit of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity funded in whole or in part with funds on the basis of his or her religious affiliation, age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, marital status, familial status (children), physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, or other arbitrary cause.

How Do I Apply?

Call or visit the ED Department at 707 Nevada Street, Suite 1 in Susanville. Regular office hours are from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday.

Please Contact:
Jenna Aguilera
Development Specialist
Phone: (530) 251-2683
Fax: (530) 257-6599
Email: housing@co.lassen.ca.us

Download:

Housing Rehabilitation Program Guidelines
Housing Rehabilitation Program Brochure
Income Qualification Survey