Emergency Repair Program
Program Purpose
To correct, repair, or replace an essential system and/or critical structural problem that poses an immediate danger to life, safety, or health of low-income homeowners who are elderly (60+) or disabled. This is not a comprehensive home renovation program; the aim is to stabilize the homeowner's residence by making emergency repairs to insure homeowners can continue to reside safely in their homes . If you are a homeowner interested in receiving an ERP grant, please contact your local ERP agency.
The following repairs are eligible under the Emergency Repair Program:
- Roofs: Where there is structural failure, risk of structural failure, or there are active roof leaks present.
- Electrical Systems: Where the electrical system has failed or there are demonstrated deficiencies in the electrical system that pose an immediate danger to life, safety, or health.
- Plumbing and/or Sanitation/Septic Systems: Where the plumbing and/or sanitation/septic system has failed or there are demonstrated deficiencies in such system(s) that pose an immediate danger to life, safety or health.
- Heating and/or Air Conditioning System(s): Where a heating and/or air conditioning system has failed at a critical time when exterior temperatures could pose a threat to life, safety, or health.
- Structural Repairs to Floors and/or Walls: Where floors and/or walls demonstrate structural damage or deterioration, which pose an immediate threat to life, safety, or health.
- Window/Door Replacement: Where repair is necessary to remedy a threat to life, safety, or health.
- Accessibility Improvements: Where necessary for a homeowner with age-related limitations or a physical disability to access and use the home for one or more major life activities.
The following repairs/purchases are NOT eligible under the Emergency Repair Program:
- The purchase or repair of appliances not permanently attached to the home, including refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, and dryers.
- Off-site infrastructure (sheds, barns, fences, bridges, etc.)
- Landscaping, except for the restoration of the site following an eligible activity or for health and safety reasons.
- Driveway repairs, except as part of an eligible accessibility activity for ingress/egress to the home.
- Relocation costs of the homeowner.
- Tools and work related appliances that will not stay with the home.
Who Can Apply?
Private citizens - THDA oversees the Emergency Repair Program ("ERP") across the entire state, but it is administered locally through participating regional agencies. To apply for the program, contact your local ERP agency that administers the program in your county. For questions about the application process, or to check the status of your application, contact your local ERP agency. THDA does not accept applications directly.
Minimum Qualifications
In order to qualify for the program, the applicant must meet all of the following requirements:
- Must be at least 60 years of age OR have a disability.
- Must occupy the property being repaired as his/her principal residence.
- Must have lived in the home for at least three years prior to applying.
- Must have an ownership interest in the property being repaired.
- Must meet certain income limit criteria, depending on where you live and how many people live in the household, contact your local ERP agency for further information about income limits.
- Must be current on the payment of local property taxes.
Please note that these are merely the minimum qualifications set by THDA in order to qualify for the Emergency Repair Program. Additional eligibility criteria may be established by the Administering Agency, based on the needs and priorities of their local service area.
What Type of Funds are Available?
$2.7 million is allocated state-wide every year, upon approval by THDA's Board of Directors. These funds come from the Tennessee Housing Trust Fund, which is financed by profits from THDA's mortgage loan program.
Assistance is made available to eligible, individual homeowners in the form of a grant that does not have to be repaid. No liens are placed against the property, and there is no minimum compliance period. The lifetime maximum grant amount per homeowner is $24,999.
Need more information?
Please contact THDA's Community Housing division at ERP@THDA.org
