Detroit residents in need of urgent home repairs can now preapply for assistance through the city’s Critical Home Repair and LeadSafe Housing programs. The preapplication period is open until September 22, 2026, at 5 p.m., offering a pathway for a limited number of homeowners and landlords to receive help with significant home issues.
The city aims to repair approximately 350 homes annually through these two programs. This effort comes as thousands have applied to previous home repair initiatives, resulting in long waitlists. Experts estimate that addressing tens of thousands of dilapidated homes citywide would cost at least $1 billion.
Priority for repairs will be given to homes facing the most urgent problems, according to the city. These include severe plumbing issues, obstacles to entrances or bathrooms, and leaking roofs. Rico Razo, chief of home repair and neighborhood services, confirmed the annual repair goal.
The initial step for residents seeking assistance is to complete an online preapplication to determine eligibility. The entire application process is free and designed for quick completion. For those who may encounter difficulties applying online, such as individuals without an email address, the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine at 866-313-2520 is available for support. As of Wednesday at 1 p.m., 48 individuals were in the phone queue for assistance. In-person help can also be scheduled via representatives during the two-week application period.
To begin the online preapplication, residents must create an account on Neighborly, the city’s application portal. After navigating to “Detroit Home Repair Programs,” applicants will click the “Start Application” button. Acknowledging household and income requirements by checking boxes is necessary before proceeding. Applicants will then enter their contact information, including name, address, phone number, email address, and an alternate contact.
The preapplication questionnaire will ask about home ownership, whether the property is a multifamily home, and household income. It also inquires about household members receiving disability benefits, being pregnant, or if children in the home receive Medicaid. Applicants must list each household member’s name and age.
For the LeadSafe program, if children have tested for lead, proof of results dated within the last four months must be uploaded. Children under six years old must be tested before the application window closes; the application provides information on free lead testing locations and times. Applicants will also describe their home’s condition, noting issues like functioning bathrooms, utilities, existing damage, hazards, or accessibility needs. Uploading photos is optional. The final step involves confirming the submitted information, providing an electronic signature, and clicking “Submit Pre-Application.”
Eligibility requirements vary slightly between the two programs. For Critical Home Repair, applicants must have owned and occupied a single-family home in Detroit for at least one year. The LeadSafe program is open to anyone who owns a home in Detroit, including landlords, and renters may apply on behalf of their landlords.
Both programs share common income criteria: a household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, or participation in certain benefit programs such as SSI, Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, LIHEAP, or Housing Choice Voucher. Additionally, to qualify for the LeadSafe program, the home must be located within specific ZIP codes: 48202, 48203, 48204, 48206, 48208, 48209, 48210, 48211, 48212, 48213, 48214, 48215, 48217, 48227, 48234, or 48238. For any questions regarding qualifications, residents can email [email protected] or call 866-313-2520.
If the city determines an applicant may qualify based on the preapplication, they will be contacted to complete a full application requiring additional documents, such as bank statements and property records. Accepted applicants can expect to hear back from the city by the end of the year, with the goal of commencing construction within four months of acceptance.
