Early Bird Matching Grant | Apply Today!

WE ARE NO LONGER EXCEPTING APPLICATIONS.

The Department of Housing and Community Development has created this grant to help property owners become compliant with Toledo Municipal Code Chapter 1760 Residential Rental Properties and Lead Safety Compliance (“Lead Ordinance”). Early Bird Matching Grants are designed to incentivize owners to comply early in the ordinance’s 5-year phase-in to improve the health and well-being of tenants and avoid costly fines.

Funding for this grant is from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). Owners who are qualified may receive up to 50% of certain costs to become compliant under the Lead Ordinance as a reimbursable matching grant, up to a maximum of $5,000 per unit.

Funds are limited, so grants are awarded to eligible applicants on a first-come, first-serve basis.

WE ARE NO LONGER EXCEPTING APPLICATIONS, as funds are exhausted. Be sure to check back in the near future.

1. Owner pays for and completes any work to prepare the unit for a local lead inspection.

2. Owner passes inspection and receives their Lead-Safe Certificate.

3. Owner submits for Early Bird Matching Grant.

4. The City of Toledo reimburses up to 50% of approved costs, up to $5,000 per unit.

• be compliant with TMC 1760 Lead Ordinance, meaning the unit has successfully passed a Local Lead Inspection, received a Lead-Safe Certificate (5 or 20 years) from the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department, and is actively registered with up to date information on the Lucas County Auditor’s Rental Registry,
• in the case of rental properties:
  • be rented for rates not exceeding the HUD Fair Market Rate table below,
  • have tenants with annual income less than 80% Area Median Income according to the HUD table below, or be currently vacant with an agreement to rent to tenants with income less than 80% AMI,
  • if in a multi-unit structure, at least half of the units must be rented to 80% AMI or below tenants.

• complete any work necessary to achieve Lead-Safe Certificate compliance utilizing HUD’s Safe Work Practices,
• be the owner of record according to the Lucas County Auditor’s AREIS database and able to provide proof of ownership in the case of title held by corporation, trustee, etc.,
• in the case of family childcare homes, the owner-occupant must have under 80% AMI,
• if grant is awarded,
  • complete a W-9 (for tax purposes; please consult with a certified accountant to understand your tax liabilities with this grant),
  • complete the City’s Vendor Registration form (required to be issued a check),
  • sign a grant agreement with the City,
  • in the case of rental properties, agree to continue rental rates at or below the aforementioned Fair Market Rate and rent to tenants with annual income less than 80% AMI for the next year,
  • in the case of family childcare homes, agree to continue occupying the property for the next year.

Applicants must show that they meet the eligibility requirements in order to receive a grant that will reimburse them for up to 50% of most compliance costs. A maximum match of $5,000 per unit is available until all available funds are exhausted.

In addition to the application form, you will be required to submit:

1. Proof of payment of all costs for which you are seeking 50% reimbursement. This includes contractor invoices showing paid in full, copies of checks, and credit card receipts for any expenses for which you are seeking reimbursement.
2. If a rental, a rent schedule or active lease agreement that shows the property is rented at or below HUD’s Fair Market Rates (see table above).
3. If occupied, include certification of tenant’s (or owner’s in the case of family childcare homes) annual income below 80% AMI (see table above). Download and print the Occupant Income Verification form and include it with all required documentation.