Community Development Block Grant for Housing Rehabilitation

Sauk County has a program that offers 0% interest loans to eligible households!

Sauk County has a Community Development Block Grant for Housing Rehabilitation. The funds will be loaned at 0% interest to eligible households for home repairs. Applications are accepted on a first come first serve basis. There is no cost to fill out an application and all information submitted is strictly confidential. There is currently a lengthy waiting list. However, you are welcome to place your name on the program list by  contacting Kari Justmann, Housing Program Office at (920) 392-5137 or (800) 552-6330. As funds become available, listed individuals will be contacted, in order, with details.

Funds are available for the following types of projects:

HOMEOWNERS

These funds will be lent to eligible households for home repairs. The loan is a 0% interest, deferred payment loan – you do not pay it back until you sell the house or no longer live there.  Please note, there is a lengthy waiting list.

LANDLORDS

Loans are available for landlords who rent to tenants that are low-to-moderate income. The loan is a 0% interest loan. Loans are provided for rehabilitation costs to rental properties with four units or less and are repaid to the community over a period of 10 years.  The owner must agree to rent only to low-to-moderate income tenants for a period of 5 years.  Contact the program administrator for more details.

The loan can be used to make the following types of repairs:

• Handicap Accessibility
• Electrical Upgrades
• Replace Windows & Doors
• Connect Water & Sewer Lines
• Roofing
• Painting, Siding, Porch Repairs
• Repair/Replace Heating Systems, Water Heaters & Plumbing Systems
• Other General Improvements

**Eligible work for each project is determined by the initial HQS inspection.**

Some typical questions asked:

Who is eligible for assistance:

The following are the income limits for owners, buyers and tenants:

In order to be eligible, your annual income must be below the following limits for Sauk County*2024:

Are there any loan fees that apply?

Yes.  There is a $50-$100 fee for a title search, a $30 fee to record the mortgage and $525 in project review fees.  These fees are included in the loan.

Will a lien by placed on my property?

Yes, all program participants will have a lien placed on their property in the amount of the loan.

Interested households can contact the MSA Housing Program Office at 1-800-552-6330 for more information.

CDBG special notes:

If you have a child that is 6 years of age or younger, it is recommended and encouraged that he or she be tested for lead levels in their blood.

State of Wisconsin lead paint requirements:

The program requires that we include an evaluation of the paint in the home as part of the project review.  If your home was built prior to 1978, the program will require repairs to any deteriorating painted surfaces to reduce lead-based paint hazards. The work associated with lead paint hazard reduction will be included in the project costs and may limit the choice of contractors.  It may also increase the price of some repair work.

Only work that is considered essential and necessary will be permitted.  All lead-based paint hazards will need to be corrected.  Hazards will be determined upon an initial project assessment of the home.

"This publication and/or the activities described herein were funded by the State of Wisconsin, Department of Administration, Division of Housing."

The Community Development Block Grant program is an equal opportunity program.  Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.