Vermont Housing Improvement Program (VHIP)

The Vermont Housing Improvement Program (VHIP) 2.0 is underway!

Northeast Kingdom Landlords may take advantage of grants to make new rental units available at fair market rent by assisting with health/safety repairs and code violations such as electrical, plumbing, water, septic, heating systems, roof, accessibility, and structural repairs. Grants are also available for the creation of new rental units, including the creation of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and new construction of buildings up to 5 units.

Grants range from:

• Up to $30,000 for the rehabilitation of each 0-2 bedroom unit
• Up to $50,000 for the rehabilitation of each 3+ bedroom unit and the creation of new units, including the creation of accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

NOTE: Accessory Dwelling Units are defined as distinct dwellings that are subordinate to single-family home on a lot where the owner resides in one of the units. Any unit creation that does not fit the definition of an ADU is limited to unit creation within an existing structure.

To participate in this program, Landlords will be required to choose either a grant with restrictions for 5 years or a forgivable no interest loan with restrictions for 10 years (10% of the total loan is forgiven each year in the program, with the entire loan forgiven after 10 years).

Grant Restrictions:

• Work with Coordinated Entry programs to find tenants for 5 years
• Rent at or below HUD Fair Market Rent for 5 years
• Contribute funds equaling 20% of the Granted funding prior to receiving distributions
• Other program requirements may apply

Forgivable No Interest Loan Restrictions:

• Rent at or below HUD Fair Market Rent for 10 years
• Contribute funds equaling 20% of the Granted funding prior to receiving distributions
• Other program requirements may apply

Landlord Education:

VHIP 2.0 applicants must watch a Landlord-Tenant Mediation video and complete a Fair Housing Training as part of the application process. Applications will not be reviewed prior to the completion of these trainings.

• Required Landlord-Tenant Mediation video is provided by the Vermont Landlord Association Please click here to view.
• Required Fair Housing training is provided by CVOEO Please click here to register. You will be asked to create an account on the Ruzuku learning platform, then you’ll have immediate access to the training. If you experience any problems or have questions, please contact CVOEO at classcoord@cvoeo.org or 802-660-3455 ext. 205.

Apply for VHIP Grant or Loan Funding:

 

2024 VHIP Application for Occupied Rental Units

2024 VHIP Application for Unoccupied Rental Units

2024 VHIP Application for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)

2024 VHIP Application for New Units

For more information, email rentalrehab@ruraledge.org or call (802) 473-3919 to speak with our VHIP Specialist.

NML# 223009. "This is an Equal Opportunity Program. Discrimination is prohibited by Federal Law. Complaints of discrimination may be filed with USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Bldg., 14th and Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410"