Allegheny Home Improvement Loan Program (AHILP)

AHILP offers Emergency/Priority Improvement and General Improvement Loans to eligible homeowners.

Loan recipients may also be eligible on a case-by-case basis for grants to cover a portion of the costs associated with:

• Undertaking excessive code repairs
• Lead hazard control/reduction work
• Accessibility improvements
• Public sidewalk repairs

Grants are available only when funding is available and are subject to change. Grants are offered only in connection with receiving a loan.

Emergency/Priority Improvement Loans

Financing covers the repair of code violations or emergency conditions that present health and safety hazards.

• Interest Rate: 0%
• Minimum Loan Amount: $2,000
• Maximum Loan Amount: $18,000
• Processing Fee: $0
• Loan Term: Based on loan amount, up to 240 months
• Collateral: Mortgage-secured

General Improvement Loans

Loans are for the rehabilitation and improvement of single-family residential properties.

Borrowers must use a portion of the loan to correct code violations, if any, and to undertake lead hazard remediation activities, if applicable. (See the Lead-Safe Housing Rule)

Remaining loan funds may be used for energy-related improvements and general property improvements.

• Interest Rate: 1%
• Minimum Loan Amount: $3,000
• Maximum Loan Amount: $23,000
• Processing Fee: $375 (may be financed as part of the loan)
• Loan Term: Based on loan amount, up to 240 months
• Collateral: Mortgage-secured

Examples of eligible work include but are not limited to:

• Electrical and plumbing
• Kitchen remodeling
• Flooring
• Retaining walls
• General remodeling
• Roof Replacement
• Lead-hazard reduction
• Siding
• Bathroom remodeling
• Heating and cooling systems
• Structural repairs
• Windows and/or doors
• Water or sewage system connections
• Water, sewer, and/or gas line repairs
• Accessibility improvements

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations protect young children from lead-paint hazards in housing that receives federal assistance, such as Allegheny Home Improvement Loan Program (AHILP) financing. 

Depending on the type and cost of the planned rehabilitation, HUD's Lead-Safe Housing Rule (24 CFR Part 35) may apply to projects, even if there are no children residing in the home.

Requirements

Homes built before 1978 that exhibit chipping/peeling paint or a painted surface that may be disturbed during rehabilitation will likely require the following steps:

• Pre-Rehabilitation Lead Testing: AHILP will hire a PA-Certified Lead-Based Paint Inspector/Risk Assessor to inspect the home for lead hazards. The inspector will schedule an appointment, perform testing, and prepare a report that will be sent to the homeowner.
• Lead Hazard Repair: All lead hazards identified must be repaired by a contractor trained and certified to work with such hazards. If remediation is extensive, inhabitants may be required to relocate temporarily.
• Post-Rehabilitation Lead Testing: A PA-Certified Lead-Based Paint Inspector/Risk Assessor will perform a Lead Clearance Examination to confirm that all identified lead hazards have been remediated.

Further Information

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides more information on childhood lead poisoning prevention.

The home must be a residential, single-family dwelling located in Allegheny County, but homes in the following municipalities are not eligible for funding through AHILP:

• City of Pittsburgh (all wards)
• City of McKeesport (all wards)
• Penn Hills
• Trafford
• McDonald

The home must be a residential, single-family dwelling, and the applicant must occupy it year-round as their principal residence.

The property must be deeded in the name of a natural person (versus in the name of any type of corporation, trust, or other entity), and such natural person must have at least 1/2 ownership interest.

Effective May 1, 2024, the total gross household income may not exceed the following limits.

Income limits are determined by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are subject to change.

Additional Requirements

• Property taxes must be current/paid up to date.
• Borrowers must have an acceptable credit history.
• Building code violations and immediate lead hazards must be addressed, whenever applicable.
• Work must be completed by a professional contractor who meets AHILP minimum contractor requirements, including insurance requirements.