The City of Detroit has opened the preapplication process for its Critical Home Repair and LeadSafe Housing programs, designed to assist residents with urgent home fixes. Detroit homeowners and landlords can apply for assistance to address critical issues such as severe plumbing problems, accessibility barriers, and leaking roofs. The initial preapplication is free and can be submitted online through the city's application portal. The deadline for submitting these preapplications is September 22, 2026, at 5 p.m.
These programs are intended to help a limited number of residents, with the city expecting to repair approximately 350 homes annually through both initiatives, according to Rico Razo, chief of home repair and neighborhood services. This effort comes as experts estimate that more than $1 billion would be needed to repair tens of thousands of dilapidated homes across the city. Previous home repair programs saw thousands of applicants, resulting in extended waitlists. The current programs prioritize homes with the most critical issues to ensure the most pressing needs are addressed first.
The initial step for residents seeking assistance is to complete an online preapplication. The entire application process is designed to be quick and is free of charge. For those who may encounter difficulties with the online application, including residents without an email address, the city offers support. Assistance is available by calling the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine at 866-313-2520. In-person help can also be scheduled through representatives during the two-week application period, if necessary. As of one recent Wednesday afternoon, 48 individuals were in the phone queue awaiting assistance.
To begin the online preapplication, residents must create an account on Neighborly, which serves as the city’s application portal. Once logged in, applicants should navigate to the “Detroit Home Repair Programs” section and click the “Start Application” button. On smaller screens, users may need to scroll horizontally to locate this button. The next stage involves acknowledging a list of household and income requirements by checking each provided box, then clicking “Complete & Continue.” Applicants are required to provide their contact information, including name, address, phone number, and email address, along with an alternate contact's name and number.
The preapplication questionnaire asks a series of questions about the applicant's home ownership status and whether the property is a multifamily home. It also inquires about the household's income. Additionally, the form collects information on whether any household members receive disability benefits, are pregnant, or if any children residing in the home receive Medicaid. Applicants will be prompted to list each household member's name and age. For households with children who have undergone lead testing, proof of the result, dated within the last four months, must be uploaded. Furthermore, children under the age of six must be tested for lead before the application window officially closes. The application itself provides details on times and locations where free lead testing services are available.
Following the questionnaire, applicants will be asked to describe their home’s condition. This includes details such as whether the home has a functioning bathroom and utilities, and if there is existing damage, hazards, or a need for accessibility repairs. While optional, applicants may choose to upload photos to support their description. The final stage of the preapplication involves confirming the accuracy of the submitted information. Applicants must check the necessary boxes, provide an electronic signature, and then click “Submit Pre-Application” to finalize their initial submission.
Specific eligibility criteria apply to each program. For the Critical Home Repair program, applicants must have owned and continuously occupied a single-family home located within Detroit for at least one year.
The LeadSafe Housing program is broader in its ownership requirements, open to anyone who owns a home in Detroit, including landlords. Notably, renters are also permitted to apply for the LeadSafe program on behalf of their landlord.
Both the Critical Home Repair and LeadSafe Housing programs share additional requirements. To qualify for either program, a household's income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Alternatively, qualification can be met if the household includes a child under the age of six, a pregnant individual, or a person who is currently receiving disability benefits. The LeadSafe program also has specific geographic requirements, with eligible homes needing to be located within one of the following ZIP codes: 48202, 48203, 48204, 48206, 48208, 48209, 48210, 48211, 48212, 48213, 48214, 48215, 48217, 48227, 48234, or 48238.
Residents who are unsure about their eligibility for either program can seek clarification by emailing [email protected] or calling the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine at 866-313-2520. If the city determines an applicant may qualify based on their preapplication, someone from the city will reach out to them to complete a full application. This comprehensive application will require additional documentation, such as bank statements and property records. Applicants can expect to hear back from the city regarding their preapplication status by the end of the current year. For those who are accepted into the program, the city's objective is to commence construction work on their homes within four months of their acceptance.