City of La Mirada/La Mirada Redevelopment Agency

 

HOME IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (HIP)

  

 

The Home Improvement Program (HIP) is a home assistance program for low- to moderate-income La Mirada homeowners to correct violations and repair deteriorating conditions in their homes.  The assistance is provided through an emergency grant and a low-interest deferred loan.  Funding is based on a first-come basis. 

 

HIP Application (PDF format, requires Adobe Acrobat Reader*)

 

Program Descriptions

 

EMERGENCY GRANT

         

This emergency grant is for specific emergency repairs up to $5,000 to address immediate health and safety risks, such as a leaky roof, broken water or sewer pipes, lack of cold/hot water, broken or clogged waste lines, and broken or cracked gas lines.  Repayment required if certain conditions are triggered within one year.

 

LOW-INTEREST DEFERRED LOANS

        

This loan is designed for exterior and/or interior repairs and improvements.  The maximum loan amount is $30,000, with 3% annual simple interest.  The loan is secured by a deed of trust and does not need to be repaid until the property is sold, refinanced, no longer owner-occupied, or ownership is transferred.  At that time, the loan balance and interest accrued are due and payable. 

 

ELIGIBILITY

 

To qualify for assistance, both the homeowner and the property must satisfy specific eligibility criteria.

 

·        Applicant must be on title and occupy the property.

·        Total gross household income must not exceed the following 2007-08 income limits based on household size:

 


Household Size

Maximum Income

Household Size

Maximum Income

1

$ 50,300

5

$ 77,500

2

$ 57,400

6

$ 83,300

3

$ 64,600

7

$ 89,000

4

$ 71,800

8

$ 94,800

 

GUIDELINES & RULES

 

1.      All improvements must be completed within 90 working days of issuance of Notice of Proceed.

2.      All contractors perfoming work must have a current State Contractor’s License and the City’s business license.

3.      Improvements completed prior to the funding of the grant/loan cannot be reimbursed by the assistance program.

4.      The following adminstrative fees and lead and asbestos testing fees will be paid for by the loan/grant proceeds:  up to $1,174 for the Loan and up to $68 for the Emergency Grant.  Fees may change without prior notice.

5.      Funding is based on a first-come first served basis.

The City withholds the right to deny assistance at any time if any false information is found on the application.

 

LEAD-BASED PAINT & ASBESTOS

 

All participating properties receiving a low-interest deferred loan are subject to lead-based paint and asbestos regulations.  If test are positive, a grant of up to $2,500 is available for the abatement of the property.

 

PROPERTY

 

·        Must be a single-family detached home or a mobile home in the City of La Mirada.

·        Must be in need of repairs to: correct existing code violations, protect structural integrity of the property, promote neighborhood safety, and/or provide exterior/interior improvements. 

·        Must have a homeowner’s insurance policy for full replacement value.

·        Property taxes must be paid.

 

Common Reasons for Denial

 

·        High Loan-to-Value

·        More than 2 Mortgages/Liens on Property

·        Unpaid Property Taxes and/or Property Tax Liens

·        Income Tax Liens Due to Unpaid Income Taxes

 

Click here for more housing information

For more information, contact the City’s Housing Technician at (562) 943-0131.