Housing Rehab

Malden’s Housing Rehabilitation program provides financial assistance to improve housing occupied by low- and moderate-income residents. Program staff assist property owners in applying to the program, scheduling inspections, and hiring and overseeing contractors. The program covers a large number of rehab activities, including: structural, roofing, heating, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work; internal and external lead abatement and replacement of lead water service pipes; remediation of radon, mold, asbestos, and other hazardous materials; replacement of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; repairing health or building code violations and “trip and fall” hazards, such as defective floor coverings; weatherization; and work that addresses many other common health and safety hazards. If you are unsure whether work on your home is eligible, please contact Program Manager Kevin Nestor.

The City of Malden is also partnering with Mass Save through the Community First Partnership program. During the inspection process, OSPCD staff can determine whether your property is eligible for Mass Save assistance as well, which can provide financial assistance for weatherization, energy efficient appliances, and more. Learn more or request a no-cost energy assessment from Mass Save at masssave.com/malden.

Apply to the Program

Click here to apply online. If you require assistance, contact Emmanuel Flaris at eflaris@cityofmalden.org or 781-324-5720 x5729.

Eligibility

Eligible properties may be owner-occupied or investor-owned single or multi-unit buildings located in the City of Malden. Units assisted must be occupied by low- or moderate income (LMI) households to qualify, with limited exceptions in multifamily housing. Current income limits are available here.

Financial Assistance

The program provides grants and zero interest loans based on need, qualification, and availability of funds. Approved projects may be funded with one or more federal grant programs, including from the CDBG, Lead and Healthy Homes, and Healthy Homes Production programs. Once an application is received, OSPCD staff identify the appropriate funding source and amounts and review the financial package with the applicant.

Most funding sources do not require repayment. Specific financial terms vary based on the property, occupancy, and the funds used. Some CDBG funds and all Lead, Healthy Homes, and Healthy Homes Production funds are provided through zero-interest, no-payment loans that are automatically forgiven after a specified period. For CDBG funds, some owner-occupants and all investor-owners receive funds through 0% interest loans that must be repaid over a 3-to-15-year period. When rehabbing 5 or more units, the landlord may be required to provide a financial contribution. If you have questions about what financial terms you are eligible for, please contact OSPCD staff or submit an application.

Process

Once your application has been accepted, OSPCD staff will work with you to determine the scope of the work and cost estimate. The project will then be put out to bid to OSPCD’s pre-qualified contractors list. Once the contractor is selected, the applicant, OSPCD, and contractor will sign the requisite contracts and loan documents and the project can proceed. OSPCD staff will carefully explain the financial terms before closing, including whether funds must be repaid and how to remain in compliance with program rules.

The contractor will begin work on your property consistent with the scope of work. OSPCD staff help manage the contractor, and require homeowner approval before the contractor receives payment. Depending on the scope of the work and whether hazardous substances are disturbed, occupants may need to be temporarily relocated, typically for no more than 1-2 weeks. Tenants who need to be relocated are eligible for financial assistance covering the full cost of their stay at a local hotel.

Compliance

After project completion, rehabbed units must maintain compliance with program rules. Projects receiving Lead, Healthy Homes, and Healthy Homes Production funding must remain in compliance for 5 years. Projects receiving CDBG funds must maintain compliance for 5-to-15 years, depending on how much CDBG funding was provided. 

During the compliance period, rehabbed units must be occupied by LMI households. Rents for units assisted with Lead, Healthy Homes, and Healthy Homes Production funding may not exceed Fair Market Rent. Rents for units assisted with CDBG funds must not exceed High HOME Rent limits, which are updated annually by HUD and available here. Property owners must certify annually that rents will not exceed the applicable rent limit during the compliance period. 

This information summarizes general compliance requirements, but specific requirements may vary. For more information, contact OSPCD staff.