With funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Program provides technical and financial assistance to property owners to reduce hazards from lead-based paint. Through June 1, 2003, the Program has provided assistance to control the lead hazards in 1240 homes and apartments throughout Vermont. Priority is given to properties occupied by families with a lead poisoned child.
Eligibility:
Homes or apartments constructed before 1978 that have a least one (1) bedroom may be eligible for assistance. Following are specific requirements for rental units and owner-occupied homes.Rental Units
- Tenant's household income cannot exceed 80% of the area median, as determined by HUD (Income Limits Chart)
- Owners must agree to rent to tenants with household incomes below 80% of median for three (3) years after completion of the work
- If located in a Flood Hazard Area, property must have flood insurance
- Properties must generally be in good repair and have no serious structural problems
Owner-Occupied Homes
- Must be the owner's primary residence
- Homeowner's household income cannot exceed 80% of the area median, as determined by HUD (Income Limits Chart)
- The value of the home cannot exceed 95% of the median price of homes in the area as determined by HUD (Home Value Limits Chart)
- If located in a Flood Hazard Area, property must have flood insurance
- Properties must generally be in good repair and have no serious structural problems
To determine if a property is in a Flood Hazard Area, contact your Town Clerk. Work on historic or potentially historic properties is reviewed and approved by a preservation consultant to insure the historic character is not lost.
Application:
Instructions
Application
Information for Tenants
Tenant Income Verification Form - for use by tenants in rental unitsAwards:
Awards are a combination of grants and 0% interest, deferred loans payable upon sale of the property. Each home or apartment is eligible for a $3,000 grant and up to $7,000 in deferred loan to pay for the required work. Under certain circumstances, a portion of the deferred loan can be forgiven. Depending on the cost of the project and the availability of funds, owners may be required to complete some finish work such as final painting.Information on Grant and Loan Documents and Construction Contracts
Services:
The following services are available at no cost to the owners of eligible properties participating in the Program:
- Testing of all painted surfaces
- Risk assessment / identification of hazards
- Development of specifications for the work
- Assistance with bidding, contractor selection, and project management
- Dust sampling and laboratory analysis
- Lead safety training for residents
- Blood tests for resident children under age 6
Strategies/Treatments:
The amount of work required to make a property safe varies depending on the location and condition of the lead-based paint. The Vermont Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program typically provides assistance to properties requiring substantial lead hazard control work. Treatments often include window replacement, removing paint from friction or impact surfaces such as door jambs or painted floors, stabilization of all deteriorated paint on trim or other components, and a specialized cleaning of all surfaces. All properties are considered "lead-safe" after receiving assistance from this Program. Lead-safe means all of the potential lead hazards have been addressed, not necessarily that all lead paint has been removed.Policies & Priorities:
This document describes the objectives, policies, and priorities under which the Vermont Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program operates. It is approved by the Board. VHCB Lead Paint Program Policies & Priorities