This program provides eligible homeowners with a zero percent interest (0%) deferred loan of up to $70,000 for green repairs and home improvements.
Before you get started
First, review our Fact Sheet to determine if you meet the baseline eligibility requirements for the program.
In order to qualify as an eligible project for HomeWorks Green, at least 1/3 of the overall project scope must be used for eligible green repairs.
If your project does not include any green measures but has at least 1/3 exterior repairs, you may be a better candidate for the HomeWorks HELP program. Learn more about HomeWorks HELP here.
Get your info together
You’ll need to get estimates from at least two licensed and insured contractors and complete the income verification process with the Boston Home Center. We base your loan on the estimated cost of the project.
You’ll be able to apply once you have two contractor estimates and have gathered all of the required financial documents. Be sure to review the application checklist before submitting your application to avoid delays in the eligibility process.
Submit Your Application
Confirm your eligibility and schedule a green home assessment
We’ll review your income documents to confirm your financial eligibility for the program and verify that your scope of work meets the 1/3 green repairs requirement. We’ll send out a specialist to meet you and review your project before we approve the loan. We’ll give you a commitment letter and schedule a loan closing if we approve your loan. Once you have closed on the loan, you can sign an agreement with your contractor and they can get a building permit. If your home has any health and safety repair issues, we’ll put you at the top of our list.
Homeowners that participate in the HomeWorks Green Loan Program will also receive a complimentary, no-cost green home assessment to help you plan for future green repair projects.
Finish your project and pay your loans
When construction is wrapping up, you’ll need to give us a final invoice from your contractor and a copy of your building permit. We’ll set up a final walk through to make sure all the work was done.
The Homeworks Green Loan is a zero percent (0%) interest deferred loan, with no monthly payments. However, if you sell, refinance, or transfer ownership of your home, you must pay back the loan amount in full. Up to one-third of the final project costs will be forgiven after ten (10) years.
Eligibility
To participate in the HomeWorks Green Loan Program, homeowners must:
- Own and occupy a 1-4 unit home or condo (up to 6 units)
- Have an annual income at or below 135% Area Median Income (AMI). This includes rental income
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INCOME LIMITS |
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HOUSEHOLD SIZE |
120% AMI |
135% AMI |
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1-PERSON |
Under $137,040 |
$154,170 |
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2-PERSON |
Under $156,720 |
$176,310 |
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3-PERSON |
Under $176,280 |
$198,315 |
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4-PERSON |
Under $195,840 |
$220,320 |
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5-PERSON |
Under $211,560 |
$238,005 |
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6-PERSON |
Under $227,280 |
$255,690 |
- Have less than $100,000 in financial assets, whether in cash, equity in non-primary real estate, investment funds, or any other item of value, excluding the equity of the homeowner’s primary residence and government-approved retirement funds, and college savings plans;
- Have not received home repair financial assistance from any City of Boston Mayor’s Office of Housing (MOH) program within the past 10 years. This excludes the de-leading and home buyer assistance programs.
- Be current with all of the City of Boston and home accounts, including property taxes, water bill, mortgage, and property insurance
Repairs you can and can’t do
You can use loans for repairs to the inside or outside of your home, like changing a bathroom or fixing a porch.
One-third (1/3) of the project scope must be used for eligible green repairs, such as oil tank removal, damp-proofing the basement, asbestos, vermiculite and knob and tube removal, heat pump water heaters, electrical upgrades, and more!
For a full list, see the Eligible Green Repair Fact Sheet.
You can’t use the loan for luxury repairs, like adding a jacuzzi or creating additional living spaces.
Benefits
The HomeWorks Green Loan helps homeowners:
- Address critical health and safety repairs
- Increase energy efficiency and reduce utility costs
- Improve indoor air quality and living conditions
- Remove barriers to insulation, air-sealing, heat pumps and other decarbonization measures
- Increase building resilience to mitigate the impacts of climate change, including heat waves and extreme weather events
- Plan for future green repair projects
Homeworks Green Resources
Take advantage of our multilingual resources!
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Need to Know:WHO IS ELIGIBLE?You need to meet some requirements to qualify for a HomeWorks Green Home Repair Loan. You must:
- Own and occupy a 1-4 unit home or condo (up to 6 units) in Boston.
- Have an annual income at or below 135 percent of the Area Median Income. This includes rental income.
- More Eligibility Information is located at the bottom of this page.
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2 Center Plaza
boston, MA 02108
