The Division of Housing and Code Enforcement was established in July 1997 as part of a reorganization of the Department of Housing and Community Affairs. The Division Chief is Mr. Joe Giloley.

The following sections comprise the Division:

• Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit Program (MPDU)
• Single Family Home Improvement Loan Program
• Weatherization Program
• Group Home Rehabilitation Loan program
• Multi-Family Housing Production Program
• Housing Code Enforcement Section
• Rehabilitation Program for Small Rental Properties

SINGLE FAMILY HOME IMPROVEMENT LOAN PROGRAM

Since January 1985, Montgomery County has helped many households afford to make vital repairs to their homes. This program provides both financial and technical assistance to eligible homeowners living within Montgomery County.

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY:

Applicants are eligible if they meet the following requirements:

• applicant is the owner/occupant;
• the property has one or more housing deficiencies or violations of the County's housing code;
• the household income is within the income limits listed below.

ELIGIBLE REPAIRS:

The following repairs are eligible through the Home Improvement Program:

LOAN TERMS:

• LOW monthly payments based on ability to repay
• LOW interest rates - ranging from zero to eight percent
• LONG terms--up to 20 years
• SECURITY can be a first, second or even third trust on the property
• LOAN may be assumed by eligible family member

INCOME QUALIFICATIONS:

There are two different income schedules. The moderate income loan allows general property improvements but requires larger monthly repayments. A family with income in any category may apply for a loan.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO RECEIVE AN APPLICATION PACKAGE, PLEASE CALL THE HOME IMPROVEMENT OFFICE AT 240-777-3600

Montgomery County WEATHERIZATION PROGRAM — FREE

Program for Qualified Montgomery County Residents to Save on Heating and Cooling Costs

Do you need caulking, insulation and weatherstripping for the home you own or rent? Does your gas or oil furnace need a clean and tune?

To qualify you must:

• Be a resident of Montgomery County
• Meet the Federal Poverty Guidelines:

When you apply you must have verification of income such as:

• Pay Check Stub(s)
• Public Assistance Check Stub(s)
• Award Letter from Social Security, SSI, AFDC, Disability, Veterans, etc.

Applicants accepted on a first come, first served basis. Priority given to the elderly and persons with disabilities who meet the income guidelines.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CALL: 240-777-3600

GROUP HOME REHABILITATION LOAN PROGRAM

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program provides for the rehabilitation of group homes which are occupied by persons of low and moderate income who are elderly and/or disabled.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:

Public agencies and incorporated nonprofit organizations under Section 501(C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code with at least two years' experience in the operation of a group home.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

The group home provider must submit a letter of introduction to the Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA), Division of Housing and Code Enforcement, 100 Maryland Avenue, Fourth Floor, Rockville, Maryland 20850. The letter must also include a statement of the nature of the repairs needed and the amount of funds required.

Along with the letter of introduction, the group home provider must submit a copy of the most recent inspection report issued by the licensing and/or regulatory agency, proof of ownership or lease to the property, a copy of the license to operate a group home and verification of nonprofit status.

WORK PERFORMANCE:

Contractors performing the work must have a valid Maryland Home Improvement license and/or a valid contractors' license for specific work such as an electrician, plumber, roofer, etc.

Work may be performed directly by the applicant if, in the opinion of DHCA, the applicant is capable of doing the work and no program funds are used to pay labor costs.

LOAN TERMS:

Loan amounts cannot exceed $10,000 per group home to correct violations and deficiencies or $15,000 if a residential sprinkler system is installed.

LOAN CONDITIONS:

As a condition of the loan, the group home provider will be required to operate in the same manner for a certain period of time depending on whether the property is leased, leased with option to buy or owned by the applicant.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT THE PROGRAM MANAGER AT 240-777-3600.