General repairs grant

The Council offers a range of grants to help with the cost of carrying out essential repairs and improvements in private homes in Hackney. These grants are administered by private sector housing.

Provides assistance to ensure hazard-free homes for owner-occupier residents that are older and vulnerable.

Amount available: • Up to £20,000

Eligible works: Works required to remove serious defects in the property which may pose a risk to the health and safety of the occupants.

How to apply: A formal application is made by completing and submitting an application form pack and providing supporting documentation which includes, confirming proof of ownership, benefits or other income. For more information regarding the application process, please see appendix 1d.

Fees and charges The fees will be calculated by the Home Improvement Agency who will prepare the application pack and complete the works. Alternatively, if the applicant wants to employ an agent or surveyor to oversee the work on their behalf, a fee of 15% of the total cost of the adaptations work may be charged (excluding VAT) and this will be payable from the grant.

Grant conditions: • You or members of your family must live in the property for 5 years after completing the grant-aided work. If you do not do this or if you let your home to tenants, you must repay the grant in full plus interest set at a standard rate of 5%. • If you sell your home within 5 years of completing the grant-aided work, you must repay the grant in full plus interest set at a standard rate of 5%. • Grant will not be paid for any work done before your application is approved • Completion of the works in 6 months depending on the type of work required. If you do not complete the work in this time you will lose your grant.

Repayment: If you sell your home within 5 years of completing the grant-aided work, you must repay the grant in full plus interest set at a standard rate of 5%.

A valid GRG application will consist of completing and submitting the following documents: • A prescribed application form; • An owner-occupation certificate • Proof of ownership from the owner; • Proof of earnings or benefits; • Two quotations from legitimate building contractors if self-managed; • Details of any professional fees and/or other ancillary charges if self-managed.

Eligible applicants: Applicants must be over 18 years old and live at the property as their main residence and be on a low income. Applicants will be subject to a means test or receive a passporting benefit. Applicants must also satisfy the following criteria: • Have lived in the property for which they are applying for grant aid for at least three years prior to the date of application. • Have not received more than £5,000 in grant assistance (other than Disabled Facilities Grant) in the past 10 years.

Eligible works: Works required to remove serious defects in the property which may pose a risk to the health and safety of the occupants.