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Emergency Housing Repair

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1. What are the Income Guidelines for the Program?

This program will assist homeowners who are under 80% of the area median income (AMI) for King County.

2013 HUD Income Maximum for a Household with:
1-person $45,100
2-person $51,550
3-person $58,000
4-person $64,400
5-person $69,600
6-person $74,750
7-person $79,900
8-person $85,050

2. What supporting documents do I need?

You will need the following information:

Income verification for all income received by each occupant of your home which can be, but is not limited to, copies of last year’s tax return, social security, disability, pension, annuity or retirement benefit award statements. Bank statements are needed for July – December of the previous year.

If your home is a mobile or manufactured home, submit a copy of your Washington State Vehicle Certificate of Ownership. If a bank or institution is the legal owner, please send documentation showing you as the borrower and your mobile home as the property or collateral for the loan. Legal title of your home is required for program eligibility. A vehicle registration form is not proof of ownership. Please do not send vehicle registration forms with your application.

Proof of homeownership through mortgage paperwork.

Proof of current homeowners insurance.

Proof of being current on property taxes. An informational statement may be obtained by contacting the King County Treasury Operations at (206) 296-0923.

3. Is this a loan or a grant?

The Emergency Housing Repair program is structured as a 5 year forgivable loan program for homeowners within the city limits of Federal Way. This is a zero interest forgivable loan, forgiven at 20% for each year the applicant keeps the home as their primary residence. There is a Deed of Trust filed with the King County Auditor’s Office.

4. What types of repairs are generally eligible?

Eligible repairs include most emergency situations such as an inoperable furnace or hot water heater, potentially hazardous plumbing or electrical systems or water intrusion issues. Other issues that threaten the safety and/or health of the household are eligible. Staff will review each application for eligibility. Staff reserves the right to deny any or all of an application if it is determined to not meet our criteria for an emergency.

5. What types of repairs are not eligible?

Ineligible repairs include cosmetic improvements, routine maintenance, appliance repairs, repairs to separate porches, rooms, or garages, sidewalk repair, painting of interior or exterior surfaces, and other items that may be deemed ineligible by staff on a case-by-case basis.

6. What types of homes do you work on?

We work on single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and manufactured homes. Our only stipulation is that this must be your primary residence.

7. How much are the deferred loans and how often can I apply?

Currently, the deferred loan is a lifetime maximum of $5,000 per address and may be granted to correct emergency conditions. A person can apply multiple times until the $5,000 amount has been exhausted.

8. What happens if the repair is over $5,000?

If the repairs are over $5,000, The City of Federal Way can make an exception. Staff would discuss the project with the homeowner to determine if the project is eligible for the increased amount. Examples of exceptions are roofing issues or ADA accessibility items.

9. Who approves my application?

Your application is reviewed by staff and the Community Services Manager who will then make a decision on your application.

10. I was denied. Is there an appeal process?

You may appeal the decision in writing by sending a letter or email to staff. It will then be reviewed by the Director of Community and Economic Development who will make the final determination.

11. How long does it take to approve my application for eligibility into the program?

Our goal is to have your eligibility evaluated within three weeks after the completed application and all supporting documents are received in our office.

12. I have lost some of my paperwork. What do I do now?

We suggest contacting your provider and asking for copies of the documents. Banks, insurance companies, and other providers generally will send these documents when asked. Unfortunately, we cannot process incomplete applications.

13. I live outside Federal Way in the potential annexation area, am I eligible?

At this time, we are only accepting applications from homeowners who live in the established City limits of Federal Way.