Home Repairs & Modifications

Whether you have an immediate home repair need or need to make home modifications to age in place comfortably and safely, it often means making necessary updates to your home.

When it comes to aging in place, from installing grab bars and improving lighting to repairing ramps, widening doorways, or addressing mobility challenges, the right home modifications and repairs can prevent falls, enhance independence, and bring peace of mind.

While some believe their options for home repairs are limited to loans like home equity lines, mortgages, or personal loans, there are other resources available for seniors. Explore these to help create a home that supports your lifestyle long-term.

Mobility Plans

The CDC's MyMobility Plan can help you stay safe, mobile, and independent as you age. The CDC developed this tool to help older adults plan for future mobility changes that might increase their risk for falls.

The Arthritis Foundation offers tips on how to modify your home when you have arthritis.

Directory of Home Modification Products

The Fall Prevention Center of Excellence (FPCE), based at the University of Southern California Leonard David School of Gerontology, provides the National Directory of Home Modification and Repair Resources.

Navigating Home Repairs & Modifications

The Federal Trade Commission's FTC For the Home hub provides consumers with actionable guidance on making smart purchasing decisions, navigating home repairs, understanding warranties, and spotting common scams related to household goods and services.

Accessibility Modifications Loans, Grants & Tax Credits

ACCESSIBLE HOMES FOR SENIORS (AHS)

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development runs an AHS program to make homes more accessible for seniors. These enhancements can include installing grab bars and railings, widening doorways, and adding ramps. For many older adults, such upgrades are essential for staying in their homes and preserving independence. The program offers either grants or zero-interest, deferred loans lasting up to 30 years to fund these accessibility improvements.

BAY HUNDRED COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS

Provides assistance with wheelchair ramp installation, general housing repairs, and living condition improvements in the Bay Hundred area.

FHA TITLE I PROPERTY IMPROVEMENT LOAN

A government-backed fixed-rate loan used to finance home repairs, alterations, and site improvements that make a property safer or more functional. You do not need home equity to qualify, and loans under a certain amount do not require property collateral. Click here to search for a HUD-approved Title I lender.

INDEPENDENT LIVING TAX CREDIT

Learn how to apply for the Maryland state income tax credit available to residents who are renovating their home to make it more accessible.

203(K) REHABILITATION MORTGAGE INSURANCE PROGRAM

This program is a government-backed loan by the FHA that lets you combine the cost of buying or refinancing a home and fixing it up into a single monthly mortgage payment. Click here to learn more about this program.

Accessibility Modifications Grants for Veterans

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers housing grants for veterans with certain service-connected disabilities so they can buy or change a home to meet their needs and live more independently. Click here to learn if you're eligible for any of the grants and to apply.

Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant: Changing a home to install ramps or widen doorways.
Special Home Adaptation (SHA) Grant: To buy, build, or change the permanent home that you or a family member owns or will own, and you have a qualifying service-connected disability.
Temporary Residence Adaptation Grant: To change a family member's home where you’re living that needs changes to meet your needs.

Energy Efficiency & Weatherization Loans & Grants

ENERGY GRANT PROGRAMS

Ensuring your property is energy-efficient can reduce monthly utility costs and improve your home's comfort and livability. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development offers energy grant programs that help homeowners and renters of all income levels improve their homes’ energy efficiency. These programs assist with insulation, hot water system upgrades, furnace repair or replacement, renewable energy installations, and other health and safety improvements.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY LOAN

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development offers low-interest loans to homeowners for energy efficiency upgrades.

NET ZERO LOAN PROGRAM

Net Zero homes are energy-efficient homes that produce as much or more energy than they will use. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development supports the rehabilitation of current homes to Net Zero homes throughout Maryland through its Net Zero Loan program.

Home Repair & Modification Programs for Seniors

CRITICAL REPAIRS & REHAB PROGRAMS

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development offers the following programs designed to help eligible Maryland homeowners with home repairs that improve comfort, livability, and accessibility:

MARYLAND HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAM: A financing program designed to bring properties up to applicable building codes and standards.
INDOOR PLUMBING PROGRAM: A financing program available for structurally sound, single-family, owner-occupied houses and rental properties with one to 100 units, which do not have indoor plumbing.
SPECIAL TARGETED APPLICANT REHABILITATION PROGRAM: An income-targeted financing program designed to bring properties up to applicable building codes and standards.
HOMEOWNER ASSISTANCE FUND (HAF) WHOLEHOME CRITICAL HOME REPAIRS GRANT: A limited program that provides grants to help eligible Maryland homeowners pay for critical home repairs that could prevent displacement.
HEALTHY HOMES PRODUCTION GRANT: A grant program to help eligible Maryland homeowners identify and fix health and safety hazards in their homes.

IF YOU QUALIFY FOR OR ARE COVERED BY MEDICAID

HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED OPTIONS WAIVER FOR OLDER ADULTS (HCBOW): HCBOW, commonly known as the Community Options (CO) Waiver, is a Medicaid waiver that provides comprehensive long-term supports for older adults in their homes who meet a nursing home level of care. It includes assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and grooming, as well as environmental assessments and home modifications. Click here to learn more about this program.

HABITAT CHOPTANK HOME REPAIR PROGRAM

The Home Repair Program partners with low-income homeowners who need help maintaining their homes and making necessary repairs, helping them reclaim their homes with pride and dignity.

LEAD HAZARD REDUCTION GRANT & LOAN PROGRAM

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development provides funds to assist homeowners and landlords in reducing or eliminating lead-based paint hazards to lessen the risk of lead poisoning and preserve the housing stock.

TOWN OF EASTON RENOVATION PROGRAM

For residents who own and occupy their home as their primary residence and pay property taxes to the town of Easton, MD. Homeowners may apply for a grant, a no-interest deferred loan, or a low-interest loan, depending on their income, through the Town of Easton Affordable Housing Program for approved renovations to improve the energy efficiency, safety, and livability of their home.

USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT SINGLE FAMILY HOUSING REPAIR LOANS & GRANTS

The Section 504 Home Repair program offers loans to very low-income homeowners to repair, improve, or modernize their homes, and grants to very low-income senior homeowners to eliminate health and safety hazards.