We announced last month that the 2018-2020 program of help for rehabilitation of existing housing is open again.

The state-sponsored program provides slightly over $1 million in funding for qualified Sandisfield residents.

An important update is that preapplications will be open for the remainder of 2025.

There is no cost to Sandisfield or the homeowner for the program. The funding is provided by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, working with the local Board of Selectmen in conjunction with Berkshire Community Development and Baily Boyd Associates of Boston to provide the program benefits locally.

The program offers Deferred-Payment Loans (DPLs) at 0% interest to finance the rehabilitation of eligible projects., with a maximum DPL of $60,000 per unit.

The program includes addressing code violations, with an additional $10,000 per unit when improvements include removal of lead paint or asbestos, making handicapped access, septic system replacement, or multiple energy-efficiency enhancements.

The DPL is secured by a lien placed on the property for a period of 15 years, which will be forgiven at a rate of 1/15th per year provided the property owner(s) are not in any way in default. The DPLs do not require monthly loan payments. If a property is sold or transferred within the 15-year period after rehabilitation completion, the funds will be recaptured on a prorated basis. After the 15-year recapture period expires, the loan is forgiven.

Eligibility and Application Process

The program is offered to owneroccupied single-family/multi-family and investor-owned units in the Town of Sandisfield. If the structure is a single-family owner-occupied unit, the owner must meet income guidelines of low to moderate income. If the structure contains year-round rental units, at least 51% of all the households including rental units/renters must meet these income limits. The applicant must be the property owner of record for the proposed residential structure.

For more information on the Housing Rehabilitation Program, visit the Sandisfield website or contact Dawn Odell Lemon, Project Manager at dawn@berkcd.com or 413-528-0104.