Lansing offers free home improvements for landlords and homeowners

TUESDAY, Sept. 29 — Up to 189 landlords and homeowners in Lansing with lead-based paint inside their homes can now apply for up to $16,000 in home improvements after city officials secured a $4.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Anyone with a home or rental unit built before 1978 — including vacant properties — can apply for the grants, city officials announced this week. Income restrictions apply. Preference will be given to those that house pregnant women or children under the age of 6. Grant recipients must also be up to date on their mortgage and insurance payments, as well as city property taxes.

Small children are most at risk from the dangers of lead-based paint, which can be commonly found on window sills, window troughs, and floors. Exposure can cause behavioral problems, organ damage, learning disabilities and problems with speech. Eligible home improvements include new windows, doors, fresh paint, aluminum trim, vinyl siding and porch floor enclosures.

Click here for an application or to read more information about the federal grant program.