Last updated: July 28, 2026
Get emergency help before waiting for a repair program
Call 911 if there is a fire, a gas smell, sparking or exposed wiring, a collapsing wall or ceiling, serious flooding, sewage inside the home, carbon monoxide symptoms, or another immediate danger. Leave the home if emergency workers or utility staff tell you to leave.
For a non-life-threatening District service request or referral, call 311. Repair applications may take weeks or months and do not replace emergency action.
Bottom line: Washington, D.C. has real home repair help, but there is no single grant that pays for every repair. The best local option depends on the problem. The District’s main homeowner grant can help with a damaged roof or disability access. Other programs focus on fall prevention, energy work, heating and cooling systems, lead paint, lead service pipes, or limited nonprofit repairs.
Start with the program that matches the repair. Do not hire a contractor or begin work until the program tells you in writing that the work is approved. Several programs choose or restrict the contractor, inspect the home, and pay the contractor directly.
This guide focuses on owner-occupied homes. Renters may qualify for Safe at Home, weatherization, or lead services, but the landlord may need to approve permanent work.
Quick program comparison
| Repair need | Best first program | Type of help | First contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaking or structurally damaged roof | Single Family Residential Rehabilitation Program | Grant paid to an approved contractor | Greater Washington Urban League or Housing Counseling Services |
| Ramp, stair lift, walk-in shower, wider access, or major mobility change | Single Family Residential Rehabilitation Program | Accessibility grant with a recorded covenant | DHCD rehabilitation intake |
| Grab bars, bathtub cut, shower seat, handrails, or fall prevention | Safe at Home | In-home adaptation service, not cash | DACL at 202-724-5626 |
| Insulation, air sealing, energy waste, or an unsafe heating or cooling system | DOEE Weatherization and Residential Services | Energy audit and approved repair or replacement service | DOEE at 202-299-3316 |
| Lead paint in a pre-1978 home with a young child | DOEE Lead Reduction Program | Lead hazard reduction service funded through public grants | DOEE at 202-299-3316 |
| Lead, galvanized, or brass water service pipe | Lead Free DC or LPRAP | Free replacement in qualifying situations | DC Water at 202-787-4044 |
| Other health, safety, electrical, plumbing, mold, drywall, or minor accessibility work | Rebuilding Together DC-Alexandria or Yachad | Limited nonprofit repair service, usually no cost | Apply directly to the nonprofit |
Not sure where to start? Read the HRG guide on where to start, then call the local program that most closely matches the repair.
Single Family Residential Rehabilitation Program
The District’s main homeowner repair program is the Single Family Residential Rehabilitation Program, often called SFRRP. It is run by the D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).
Type of help: This is a grant program, but it is not a cash payment sent to the homeowner. DHCD develops the scope of work, uses a licensed contractor, manages the construction, and pays the contractor on the homeowner’s behalf.
What SFRRP may pay for
- Up to $30,000 for repair or replacement of a water-damaged or structurally compromised exterior roof.
- Up to $30,000 for accessibility changes needed by a household member with a mobility or physical impairment.
- A combined award of up to $60,000 when a household qualifies for both roof and accessibility work.
- Possible temporary relocation help of up to $2,000 when the approved construction requires the household to leave temporarily.
DHCD also says an award cannot exceed 50% of the home’s assessed or appraised value. The final amount depends on the inspected need and approved scope. For more context, see our guide to real roof programs.
Who may qualify
You own a home in the District in a building with four units or fewer.
The home has been your primary residence for at least three years.
You have current homeowners insurance.
You are current on District and federal taxes.
Your credit report shows current mortgage payments for the past 12 months.
Your gross household income is within the current limit.
You agree to the program’s 20-year covenant.
You generally cannot receive SFRRP services again within five years.
Accessibility work may require a doctor’s note. Examples include ramps, stairs, stair lifts, walk-in showers, bathrooms, kitchens, and walkways. See home modification help for other funding paths.
Current income limits
The table below shows the limits posted by the official agencies when this guide was checked. These limits use different formulas and should not be treated as interchangeable.
| Household size | SFRRP maximum | WAP FY26 maximum | Lead Reduction 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $91,874 | $61,841 | $74,800 |
| 2 | $104,896 | $80,869 | $85,450 |
| 3 | $118,008 | $99,897 | $96,150 |
| 4 | $131,120 | $118,926 | $106,800 |
| 5 | $144,232 | $137,954 | $115,350 |
| 6 | $157,344 | $156,982 | $123,900 |
| 7 | $170,456 | $160,550 | $132,450 |
| 8 | $183,568 | $164,117 | $141,000 |
WAP limits apply through September 30, 2026. The Lead Reduction limits shown apply through September 2026. Confirm the current limit before applying.
How to apply
DHCD takes SFRRP applications through approved community-based organizations. The current rehabilitation intake list names:
- Greater Washington Urban League: 2901 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009; 202-265-8200.
- Housing Counseling Services: 2410 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009; 202-667-7006.
You may also call DHCD at 202-442-7200 or email sfrrp.dhcd@dc.gov. The official eligibility page says applications may be made at any time.
Read the covenant before signing. DHCD requires a 20-year covenant. Ask the intake worker what happens if you sell, transfer, refinance, stop occupying the home, or violate another program condition. A grant with a recorded covenant is not the same as unrestricted cash.
Safe at Home for older adults and adults with disabilities
The D.C. Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) runs Safe at Home. The program provides preventative home adaptations intended to reduce falls and help residents remain independent.
Type of help: This is an in-home adaptation service. It is not a cash grant or reimbursement.
Possible adaptations include handrails, grab bars, bathtub cuts, shower seats, and stair lifts. The program serves District residents age 60 or older and adults age 18 or older with disabilities. Both homeowners and renters may apply when the property is their primary residence. A renter may need the property owner’s permission for permanent work.
DACL lists eligibility at or below 100% of Area Median Income: $99,600 for one person and $113,850 for two. Ask for the current limit for larger households.
Call DACL intake at 202-724-5626, Monday through Friday. Explain the fall risk and the exact task that is unsafe, such as getting into the tub, climbing the front steps, or using the stairs.
Use the right program: Safe at Home is usually the better first call for smaller fall-prevention changes. SFRRP may fit larger structural accessibility work. You may ask both programs which one should review the need.
Weatherization and emergency mechanical systems
The D.C. Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) accepts one residential services application for the Weatherization Assistance Program, Emergency Mechanical Systems replacement, and some lead services. Use the official weatherization page for current rules.
Type of help: Weatherization is a federally funded service. DOEE or its nonprofit partner evaluates the home, approves a scope, assigns or restricts contractors, inspects the work, and pays the contractor. It is not a remodeling grant or a check to spend on any repair.
What may be included
- Energy audit and diagnostic testing.
- Insulation, air sealing, and duct sealing.
- Heating or cooling system repair or replacement when approved.
- Energy-related health and safety work.
- In some homes, limited roof repair, mold work, lighting, appliances, or water conservation measures needed to complete an approved weatherization job.
WAP does not provide cosmetic remodeling and does not normally handle unrelated plumbing or general renovation. If the main problem is a shutoff, disconnected service, or a bill rather than broken equipment, review D.C. energy assistance and our guide to LIHEAP crisis help.
Eligibility and current status
A household may qualify if annual income is below 60% of State Median Income or a household member receives Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or Supplemental Security Income. The FY26 income numbers are shown in the table above.
DOEE says WAP, Emergency Mechanical Systems, and Lead Reduction applications are being accepted for waiting lists. A large prior-year queue means full FY26 service is not guaranteed, and applying does not promise a start date.
Apply through the residential services application, or call 202-299-3316, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Ask whether the emergency mechanical system part is currently taking cases for your broken furnace, boiler, central air system, or other main equipment.
Lead paint and lead service pipe help
DOEE Lead Reduction Program
The Lead Reduction Program helps reduce lead-based paint hazards in eligible homes. The property generally must have been built before 1978, be occupied by an income-eligible household, and have a child under age six who lives there or visits often. Certain vacant units intended for an eligible family with a qualifying child may also be considered.
Type of help: Publicly funded lead hazard reduction work, not a general repair grant. Testing, inspections, income review, and a wait may apply.
Owner-occupants generally must be below 80% of Area Median Income. The current 80% limits are in the income table above. DOEE’s page lists FY26 limits through September 2026 and also displays a notice that FY27 applications beginning October 1, 2026, will be placed on a waiting list until funding is available. Because intake status can change, call 202-299-3316 before assembling a full application.
Do not sand, scrape, demolish, or disturb suspected lead paint without lead-safe controls. Repairs that disturb paint can increase exposure.
Lead service line replacement
DC Water and DOEE run separate paths for lead service pipes. Start with the lead replacement programs page and check the pipe material for both the public and private portions of the service line.
- DC Water construction project: When DC Water replaces lead service lines during a planned or emergency construction project, private-property replacement is free for residents regardless of income. The property owner must usually sign a right-of-entry form.
- Private-side-only lead pipe: If the private side is lead, galvanized, or brass and the public side is non-lead, the Lead Pipe Replacement Assistance Program currently covers the replacement cost for enrolled homeowners.
- Both sides contain lead: A voluntary full replacement path may be available when no block project is planned. Rules and homeowner costs can differ, so ask DC Water which program applies.
Do not start LPRAP work early. DOEE says this is not a reimbursement program. Wait for approval and a Benefit Confirmation Letter, use a contractor from the approved list, and do not pay a contractor deposit for program-covered work.
Call Lead Free DC at 202-787-4044 or email lead@dcwater.com.
Nonprofit home repair programs
Nonprofits may cover repairs that do not fit a government program, but capacity is limited and projects depend on funding, need, scope, and safety.
Rebuilding Together DC-Alexandria
Rebuilding Together DC-Alexandria provides critical health and safety repairs, accessibility work, and fire or carbon monoxide safety improvements. Its page says 2025-2026 applications are accepted in order of completion.
Type of help: No-cost nonprofit repair service, not cash. Timing depends on funding, workers, and the approved scope.
Call 202-800-6032. The mailing address is 101 Xenia Street SW, Suite 102, Washington, DC 20032.
Yachad
Yachad’s home repair service accepts requests from low-income homeowners in Washington, D.C. Possible projects include mold or pest work, roofs, plumbing, electrical repairs, drywall, broken appliances, and accessibility changes.
Type of help: Limited no-cost repair service using contractors or volunteers. Yachad prioritizes multigenerational households and families with children.
Call 202-296-8563 to request an application.
Habitat DC-NOVA
Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia does home repair work in the region, but its current D.C. repair page directs District residents to the DACL Safe at Home intake. Calling Safe at Home first avoids submitting a duplicate request to the wrong office.
How to prepare a strong application
- Name the exact problem. Say “the roof is leaking into the bedroom,” “the furnace does not run,” or “I cannot safely enter the bathtub.” A clear need is easier to route than “I need a grant.”
- Photograph the damage. Take wide and close photos. Do not enter an unsafe area to get a picture.
- Call before paying. Ask whether the program is open, whether it has a waitlist, and whether work started before approval becomes ineligible.
- Gather ownership and income proof. Keep copies and black out full bank account numbers when the agency permits it.
- Write down every contact. Record the date, worker’s name, phone number, documents sent, and next step.
- Read all agreements. Ask about covenants, liens, repayment, occupancy periods, inspections, permits, relocation, and contractor rules.
Documents commonly requested
| Document | Why it may be needed |
|---|---|
| Photo identification | Confirms the applicant’s identity and District residency. |
| Recorded deed or other ownership proof | Shows who owns the property. A deed of trust may not replace the recorded deed for some programs. |
| Recent mortgage statement | Shows loan status and payment history. |
| Homeowners insurance | Required by SFRRP and some DOEE programs. |
| Federal and District tax information | Shows income and whether taxes are current. |
| Pay stubs, benefit letters, pension proof, or zero-income form | Verifies gross household income. |
| Bank or asset statements | Required by some lead and energy programs. |
| Utility bills | Needed for weatherization, mechanical systems, and lead pipe applications. |
| Doctor or therapist note | Supports a medically or functionally needed accessibility change. |
| Repair photos, violations, inspection reports, or estimates | Documents the condition and helps define the repair scope. |
What happens after you apply
A complete application does not mean immediate approval. The agency may verify income, ownership, taxes, insurance, mortgage status, disability need, and property condition. It may then inspect the home, prepare a scope, assign a contractor, obtain permits, and schedule work.
SFRRP says construction generally occurs January 1 through September 30. DOEE and nonprofits may have waitlists, contractor shortages, or no repair date available.
Problems that often slow a case
- Names do not match across the deed, mortgage, tax record, and application.
- Insurance, taxes, or mortgage payments are not current.
- Income proof is missing for a household member.
- Work began before written approval or falls outside the program’s purpose.
- The applicant misses calls, inspections, or document deadlines.
If you are denied or waitlisted
Ask for the reason in writing. Then ask whether you can submit missing documents, request reconsideration, appeal, or move the case to another program. A roof denial does not mean you are also ineligible for weatherization, Safe at Home, or nonprofit repairs.
Call 211 and ask for owner-occupied repair, weatherization, disability modification, senior home safety, veteran repair, legal aid, and nonprofit help in your ZIP code. For general local-program strategy, review local repair programs.
Permits, contractor licenses, and scams
Many D.C. repairs require a permit. The Department of Buildings Homeowner’s Center helps owners of one- and two-family homes understand permit rules. Licensed trade professionals must obtain electrical, plumbing, gas, and other trade permits.
Before hiring anyone outside a program, verify the business and professional licenses through the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. The D.C. Attorney General’s contractor warning advises homeowners to avoid pressure sales, cash-only demands, large upfront payments, blank contracts, and unlicensed work.
Never pay to unlock a grant. Do not send gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, banking passwords, or a “processing fee” to claim repair money. Check the agency using a phone number from its official website. Use our program verification checklist before sharing a deed, Social Security number, tax return, or bank statement.
Backup options when a grant does not fit
- Homeowners insurance: File a claim when the damage may come from a covered sudden event. Insurance does not usually cover normal wear or deferred maintenance.
- Declared disaster help: FEMA assistance applies only after an eligible federal disaster declaration and does not restore a home to pre-disaster condition. Use our FEMA repair guide.
- Disabled veteran benefits: VA adapted housing and HISA benefits may help with qualifying disability-related changes. See VA housing modifications.
- Careful borrowing: A loan must be repaid and may place a lien on the home. Compare the annual percentage rate, fees, term, payment, and lien before signing. Read safer repair financing.
Phone scripts
Calling about a leaking roof
“Hello. I own and live in a home in Washington, D.C. My roof is [leaking or structurally damaged], and the damage is affecting [room or safety issue]. I want to apply for SFRRP. Is intake open, what documents should I bring, and should I avoid hiring a contractor until DHCD inspects the home?”
Calling about accessibility
“Hello. I am calling for a District resident who is [age 60 or older or an adult with a disability]. The unsafe task is [using the bathtub, climbing steps, or moving through the home]. Should we start with Safe at Home or SFRRP, and what medical note or home assessment is required?”
Calling about heating, cooling, or weatherization
“Hello. My main [furnace, boiler, or cooling system] is [not working or unsafe]. I want to ask about Weatherization and Emergency Mechanical Systems assistance. Is the program taking applications now, am I applying to a waitlist, and must DOEE approve the contractor before any work begins?”
Frequently asked questions
Is there a general home repair grant for every D.C. homeowner?
No. D.C. programs are tied to specific needs, such as a damaged roof, disability access, fall prevention, energy efficiency, heating or cooling equipment, lead hazards, or a lead service pipe. Income, ownership, insurance, property condition, and funding rules also apply.
How much can SFRRP provide?
The current D.C. Front Door page lists up to $30,000 for an eligible roof and up to $30,000 for eligible accessibility work, for a possible combined total of $60,000. The award also cannot exceed the program’s property-value limit and depends on the approved scope.
Does SFRRP have to be repaid?
DHCD describes the current roof and accessibility awards as grants, but applicants must agree to a 20-year covenant. Ask DHCD to explain all occupancy, sale, transfer, refinance, default, and recapture terms before signing.
Can renters get home modification help?
Safe at Home accepts eligible renters as well as homeowners. Weatherization and lead programs may also serve renters or multifamily buildings when the household and property meet the rules. Permanent work may require the property owner’s written permission.
Can weatherization replace a furnace or air conditioner?
It may repair or replace an approved heating or cooling system when the work fits the energy audit, health and safety rules, funding, and contractor capacity. It is not a promise of a new system, and DOEE currently warns applicants about waiting lists and limited FY26 service.
Is the old Washington, D.C. Senior Citizens Home Repair and Improvement Program still available?
We could not verify a current District program operating under that exact name. Older references should not be used as an application source. For current senior or disability fall-prevention adaptations, call DACL Safe at Home at 202-724-5626.
About This Guide
How we researched this page: We checked official federal, District, utility, and trusted nonprofit sources linked in this article. We reviewed program names, service areas, eligibility rules, application routes, contact details, funding notices, and whether each option is a grant, loan, service, or referral.
Our role: HomeRepairGrants.org is an independent information website. We do not run these programs, accept applications, choose recipients, or guarantee funding or approval.
Local changes: Funding, waitlists, service areas, income limits, and application periods can change. Confirm current details with the organization that runs the program before you apply, sign papers, pay money, or start repair work.
Corrections: See something outdated or incorrect? Email info@homerepairgrants.org and include the page URL and a reliable source when possible.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information. It is not legal, financial, tax, insurance, medical, disability-rights, contractor, or government-agency advice.
Last verified: July 28, 2026 | Next review: October 28, 2026