Home Repair and Accessibility Program
The Home Repair and Accessibility Program helps low-income Nova Scotians with the cost of home repairs. The program also provides funding for accessibility upgrades to help people with disabilities and seniors stay in their homes. You can apply anytime.
Apply to the Home Repair and Accessibility Program for help with the cost of home repairs and accessibility upgrades.
You need to use the funding for:
- emergency repairs and health and safety repairs (like electrical, plumbing, structural, heating or fire safety)
- accessibility upgrades (like handrails, grab bars, wheelchair ramps, accessible bathrooms and other changes) that allow you to live independently
Funding amount
The Home Repair and Accessibility Program may fund up to $18,000 of eligible repair costs and up to $16,000 of eligible accessibility upgrades. The applicant or other sources need to fund the remaining balance of the costs.
Funding is based on the lowest contractor quote you receive. You can hire any contractor, but you need to pay the difference if you hire a contractor with a higher quote.
Eligible repairs and adaptations
Repairs and accessibility upgrades need to be permanent and follow health and safety standards.
Eligible costs
Eligible costs include:
- material
- labour
- related taxes
Costs are not eligible if you complete the work before you’re approved for the funding.
Accessing the funding
Once your application is approved, the program provides a Letter of Approval that outlines the conditions of the loan or grant. The Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing pays invoices directly to contractors (after you let the department know that you’re satisfied with the completed work).
Accessibility upgrades
If you want to make sure that accessibility upgrades meet your needs, you can contact an occupational therapist to conduct an in-home assessment and provide a written report outlining the requirements for the contractor.
Inspections
Inspections conducted by the Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing (or its representatives) confirm that the required repairs and accessibility upgrades are needed and were completed. Inspections don’t confirm compliance with any required building codes, standards or the construction methods and materials used.
Changes to repairs and accessibility upgrades
The Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing needs to review and approve any changes to repairs and accessibility upgrades that are outlined in your bid package.
Eligibility
You can apply for funding if:
- you own and live in your home and have an annual pre-tax (gross) household income below the current household income limits (PDF)
- accessibility upgrades support a resident who has a disability or a senior who needs the accessibility upgrades to help them stay in their home
- you’re a landlord who provides affordable housing for people with lower incomes
- you're a shelter that provides emergency or supportive housing
How to apply
- Contact the Home Repair and Accessibility Program to review your repair and accessibility needs.
- Complete the application form.
- Check the application for details on all required supporting documents.
- Send your completed application and supporting documents by mail. Or visit a regional housing office.
- Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing reviews your application and confirms your eligibility.
- An inspector from Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing visits your home to confirm the required repairs and accessibility upgrades.
- If the inspector confirms that the required repairs and accessibility upgrades are needed, the Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing sends you a bid package outlining the repairs and accessibility upgrades you need to get quotes for.
- Send your quotes to the Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing for review.
How long it takes
For emergency repairs (like no heat in winter or no water), it should take 1 to 2 days for the Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing to review your funding application and let you know if your funding application is approved. It can take longer if more information is needed or if your application hasn’t been filled in correctly.
For accessibility upgrades and non-emergency health and safety repairs, it should take 3 to 12 months for the Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing to review your funding application and let you know if your funding application is approved. It can take longer if more information is needed or if your application hasn’t been filled in correctly.
Cost
There is no cost to apply for the funding.
Before you start
Make sure you know your total household income.