Detroit residents seeking help with urgent home repairs can now preapply for assistance through two city programs: Critical Home Repair and LeadSafe Housing. The online preapplication period is open until September 22, 2026, at 5 p.m., offering a pathway for eligible homeowners and landlords to secure funding for essential fixes.
The city anticipates repairing approximately 350 homes annually through these initiatives, according to Rico Razo, chief of home repair and neighborhood services. Priorities will be given to residences with severe issues, such as major plumbing failures, obstacles to entry or bathroom access, or damaged roofs. Previous home repair programs saw thousands of applicants, leading to extensive waitlists, and experts estimate that over $1 billion would be needed to address the tens of thousands of dilapidated homes across Detroit.
The initial step is to complete a free, quick online preapplication to determine eligibility. For those needing help with the online process, including residents without email access, assistance is available by calling the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine at 866-313-2520. In-person appointments can also be scheduled through this helpline. As of Wednesday at 1 p.m., 48 individuals were in the phone queue awaiting support.
To begin, applicants must create an account on Neighborly, the city’s dedicated application portal. After navigating to “Detroit Home Repair Programs” and clicking “Start Application,” users will acknowledge household and income requirements. Subsequent steps involve entering contact information—including name, address, phone number, and email address—and providing an alternate contact.
The questionnaire will inquire about home ownership, whether the property is a multifamily dwelling, and household income. It also asks if any household members receive disability benefits, are pregnant, or if any children in the home receive Medicaid. Applicants must list the name and age of each household member. For homes with children who have been tested for lead, proof of results dated within the past four months is required. Children under six must undergo lead testing before the application window closes, with free testing times and locations detailed within the application.
Applicants will then describe their home’s condition, covering aspects like functioning bathrooms and utilities, existing damage, hazards, or the need for accessibility improvements. While uploading photos is optional, it can support the description. The final step involves confirming the accuracy of submitted information by checking boxes, providing a signature, and clicking “Submit Pre-Application.”
For the Critical Home Repair program, applicants must have owned and lived in a single-family home within Detroit for at least one year.
The LeadSafe program is open to anyone owning a home in Detroit, including landlords, and renters may apply on behalf of their landlords. To qualify for LeadSafe, 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.
Both programs share additional requirements. To qualify for either, at least one of these conditions must be met: the household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level; at least one household member receives public assistance; at least one household member is 62 years of age or older; or at least one child under six or a pregnant individual resides in the home.
Residents uncertain about their eligibility can email [email protected] or call the HelpLine at 866-313-2520. If a preapplication indicates potential qualification, the city will contact the applicant to complete a full application, which will require additional documentation such as bank statements and property records. Applicants can expect to receive notification from the city by the end of the year, with the goal of commencing construction within four months if their application is accepted.
