Key facts
- Preapplication deadline: March 22 at 11:59 p.m.
- Cost to preapply: Free
- Apply online
- Programs available: Critical Home Repair, LeadSafe
This story is part of Beyond Repair, a series on Detroit’s home repair crisis — and what the city stands to lose if it doesn’t take action. Read all the reporting.
Do you need help repairing your home in Detroit? The city plans to pay for urgent fixes for a limited number of residents.
Here’s how to start applying for home repair assistance through Detroit’s Critical Home Repair and LeadSafe Housing programs in 2026.
Thousands applied to previous home repair programs, leading to long waitlists. In this round of funding, the city expects to spend about $3.2 million for the Critical Home Repair Program and about $1.9 million for LeadSafe. Experts estimate the city’s home repair needs at more than $1 billion.
The city said it will prioritize homes with the most urgent problems, such as severe plumbing issues, barriers to entrances or bathrooms, or leaking roofs.
Here’s what you need to know to start an application.
How to submit the preapplication
The first step is to fill out a preapplication to see if you qualify. The entire application process is free.
The preapplication is designed to be quick and does not require documents.
Preapplications must be submitted online by March 22 at 11:59 p.m.:
- Create an account on the city’s participant portal.
- Start an application for “Single Family Home Repair” and follow the instructions.
- You’ll be asked to acknowledge a list of requirements for your household and income. Check each box, then continue. (Eligibility requirements are listed below.)
- Enter your contact information.
- Answer the preapplication questionnaire. It will ask about your home’s ownership, whether it’s a multifamily home, if household members receive government aid, and your household income. When prompted, list each household member’s name and age. If you have children who tested for lead, enter their latest blood test results.
- Describe the condition of your home, such as whether it has functioning appliances and utilities, and whether there’s damage, hazards or a need for accessibility repairs. Upload photos if possible.
- Sign and submit the form.
Who can preapply?
You may qualify if all the following are true:
- You own and live in a single-family home in Detroit. (Landlords who own and rent out any home in Detroit, single- or multifamily, are also eligible for LeadSafe. Renters can apply for LeadSafe on their landlord’s behalf.)
- You are current on property taxes or are enrolled in a tax payment plan with Wayne County.
- You haven’t received a grant from the City of Detroit.
- Your total household income is within these limits:
| Household size | Critical Home Repair Program | LeadSafe Housing Program |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $42,420 | $56,600 |
| 2 | $48,400 | $64,650 |
| 3 | $54,540 | $72,750 |
| 4 | $60,600 | $80,800 |
| 5 | $65,460 | $87,300 |
| 6 | $70,320 | $93,750 |
| 7 | $75,180 | $100,200 |
| 8 | $80,040 | $106,700 |
To qualify for the Critical Home Repair Program, one of the following people must live in the home:
- A child
- Someone 62 years old or above
- Someone with a documented disability
To qualify for LeadSafe, the home must be in one of these ZIP codes: 48202, 48203, 48204, 48206, 48208, 48209, 48210, 48211, 48212, 48213, 48214, 48215, 48217, 48227, 48234 or 48238. One of the following must also be true:
- A child under 6 lives in or visits the home at least 10 hours a week.
- Someone in the home is pregnant.
If you’re unsure you qualify, email hrdhomerepair@detroitmi.gov or call the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine at 866-313-2520.
What’s next
If the city determines you may qualify, someone will contact you to complete a full application that requires documents such as bank statements and property records. You can expect to hear back from the city by May if you aren’t accepted into either program. If you are accepted, your full application will be approved by June and construction will begin in July.
