About HIPP:

The Department of Housing & Community Development strengthens families and neighborhoods to cultivate a diverse and economically inclusive City by creating and preserving safe, affordable housing and mitigating community member displacement. Home Improvement & Preservation Program (HIPP) offers three home repair programs:

1. Emergency Home Rehabilitation (EHR) provides grant assistance to low- and moderate-income homeowners needing emergency repairs. Assistance will be in the form of a grant up to $10,000.00.
• Applications for emergency home repair may be submitted throughout the year. Applications will be reviewed if funding is available. 
• To be eligible for assistance under this program, the application must demonstrate that the emergency situation was caused within the four days preceding submission of the application and that it poses an immediate life or health and safety concern.
2. Dallas Tomorrow Fund (DTF) for exterior code violations provides grant assistance to low and moderate-income homeowners needing exterior code violation repairs. Assistance will be in the form of a grant up to $20,000.00. 
• Applicants must have been found by the Dallas Tomorrow Fund Administrator to be financially unable to comply with the notice of violation issued or financially unable to cover the cost of repairs.
  
• Applicant for exterior violation repair must have received a notice of violation or citation from Dallas Code Compliance (DCC) and be referred to Housing to apply by DCC to the Dallas Tomorrow Fund. Applications will not be received without this referral.
  
3. Major-Systems Repair Program (MSRP) provides forgivable loan assistance to low- and moderate-income homeowners needing systems rehabilitation to their home. Assistance is an interest-free, forgivable, self-amortizing loan in an amount subject to the City's assessment of needs, not to exceed $24,000.00.
• Mechanical
• Replace/repair HVAC systems 
• Electrical
• Replace/repair electrical system and installation of ground fault circuit interrupters and may include installation of new smoke, fire, and CO2 alarms 
• Plumbing 
• Replace/repair plumbing, water and sewer pipes, kitchen and bath fixtures 
• Replace/repair gas pipes/gas testing 
• Replace/repair water heaters 
• Structural 
• Replace/repair roofing 
• Replace/repair existing exterior cladding 
• Structural repairs/modifications (only to correct existing structural code deficiencies or to provide accessibility to disabled persons) 
•  Other
• Testing & treatment/removal of lead-based paint/asbestos hazards 
• Handicapped improvements & removal of barriers to the handicapped 
• Tree trimming will be in conjunction with repair and only if considered necessary and if allowable under the funding regulation.
• Demolition of an accessory structure deemed hazardous, such as a detached garage or work shed, will be made on a case-by-case basis depending on the available budget, grant requirements, planning requirements, current building codes, and health and safety concerns. The structure will not be rebuilt by the city. 

The level of assistance for HIPP is limited to the amount required to address the rehabilitation work scope as defined by the City.

Eligibility Requirements:

• The homeowner must have clear title to the property and have owned the home for at least six (6) months before applying. There can be no more than two owners of the property.
• The property must be the homeowner's primary residence.
• Applicants must have a gross annual household income at or below 80% Area Median Income ("AMI").
• Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and they must hold a current Texas state-issued identification card or driver's license.
• The homeowner must not be delinquent in the payment of property taxes or must have an active, non-delinquent payment plan with the county tax office, and may not have any liens on the property, except those associated with a first mortgage.
• Applicants must be current on mortgage payments and shall not be in default under the mortgage documents associated with the property or in default under any lien on the property.
• The home must be located within city limits of Dallas, Texas.
• The homeowner must demonstrate they can obtain standard property insurance satisfactory to the City and will maintain it for the term of the loan.
• Priority for all programs will be given to homeowners who have never participated in a City home repair program. Homes that have been reconstructed by the City will not be eligible for further assistance.
• Applicants must be willing to voluntarily relocate at the homeowner's expense, if necessary.
• City Council members, Department of Housing & Community Development employees, and any employee, official, or agent of the City who exercises any policy or program functions in relation to the Home Repair Programs offered by the City are ineligible for assistance.

 

Required Supporting Information:

All applicants will be required to submit for themselves and must include information on all household members:

Homeowner(s) must supply:

1. Complete application, signed by applicant and co-applicant
2. Copy of current mortgage statement (if applicable)
3. Proof of Ownership, such as copy of property deed
4. Property Insurance (If you do not have homeowner insurance, you will need to have it in place if qualified. Does not apply to DTF HIPP applicants.)
5. Proof of needed repairs

All household members must supply:

1. Proof of Identity/copy of non-expired government issued ID
• Driver's License, State Identification Card or Passport for everyone 18+
2. Copy of Birth Certificate (for minors only)
3. Copy of Social Security card (Or the letter issued showing you have applied for your Social Security card or an ID that has your SSN on it)
4. Copy of (1) month current checking/savings bank statements (ALL pages included for each account, with non-redacted information
5. All necessary Income Supporting information (submit all that apply):
• Copy of (1) month of most recent paycheck stubs (Monthly) One pay stub (Bi-weekly/Semi-Monthly) 2 paystubs (Weekly) 4 pay stubs
• Copy of most recent (2) two years of federal tax returns (Signed) for SELF-EMPLOYED ONLY
• Copy of current pension letter/annuity letter (Must have current calendar year listed)
• Copy of Social Security/Supplemental Security/Disability Award Letter (for current calendar year)
• Copy of Unemployment Statement of Wages & Potential Benefit from TWC (For current calendar year)
• Court-ordered child support statement
  

 Additional Supporting Items:

• Copy of divorce decree (if applicable) (ALL pages included)
• Copy of death certificate (if applicable)
• Affidavit of Heirship or Probated Will (if applicable)
• Approved Payment Plan Agreement with Taxing Authority (if applicable)
• Copy of school registration (For children attending college & who reside in the home when not at school)