The County's Residential Rehabilitation Loan Program is to provide low cost loans to benefit low income households on Kaua‘i to rehabilitate the dwelling unit that they occupy as their residence.  The Rehabilitation Loan Program may benefit low income owner-occupants or landlords who rent to low income tenants by rehabilitating the low income beneficiary’s residence.  See HUD Income Limits for income eligibility.  The property to be rehabilitated may be owned in either a fee simple or leasehold estate, provided adequate security is pledged for the repayment of the loan.  The County administers this federally funded program with the goal to increase the economic life of existing dwelling units, provide energy efficiency, and insure safe and healthy living environments.

This program offers loans in the amounts from $5,000 to 50,000 for 3 to 20 years at 1% to 5% interest.   The term of the loan will depend on the amount borrowed and the interest rate is determined by the borrower’s income.  The repairs and improvements are limited to work necessary to correct defects to extend the physical life of the dwelling, to correct unsafe or unhealthy conditions, and/or provide energy conservation.  Typical work includes construction of another bedroom to reduce overcrowding, improvements to accommodate a resident with a disability, and installation of a solar hot water system. All improvements must be physically attached to the dwelling unit.

Examples of eligible improvements include:

1. Any improvements and repairs required to bring the unit up to HUD's minimum Housing Quality Standards, including any required work to conform to Building Codes.
2. Any improvements resulting in substantial weatherization or energy conservation, including the use of solar energy equipment and/or heat pumps.
3. Any improvements to increase the efficient use of water through such means as water saving faucets, toilets, and shower heads and the repair of water leaks.
4. Exterior painting for weatherization,
5. Removal of architectural barriers and/or the construction of handicap improvements for the benefit of handicapped household members,
6. Purchase of refrigerator and/or stove necessary for health and sanitary reasons,
7. Connecting to the County sewer system and the backfilling of the cesspool,
8. Septic tank system installation when an existing cesspool system fails and the property is not serviced by a County sewer system,
9. Fumigation when structural wall, floor, and/or other elements are replaced due to termite infestation,
10. Construction of additional bedrooms or bathroom when an overcrowded household condition exists.

1. Air conditioning, dishwasher, doorbell, swimming pool, chandelier or any other items considered “luxury” items by HUD.
2. Construction of new residential structure.
3. Fumigation without repair or replacement of building elements damaged by termite infestation.
4. Minor household repairs and/or maintenance that will not impact on the dwelling's physical life.
5. Completion of any incomplete or unfinished improvements.
6. Fences, walls (other than necessary retaining walls), or sheds.
7. Trees, shrubs, grass lawns or any other landscape improvements.

For any inquiries, contact the Housing Agency at 241-4444.