Home Owner Rehabilitation Program

Rock County has funding available for home owner rehabilitation loans to qualified households. The funds are available for Rock County households, outside the cities of Janesville and Beloit, and are offered as 0% interest and deferred payment loans. Please review the documentation below for more information and to see if you qualify. If you have questions, please contact the program administrator, email the Wisconsin Partnership for Housing Development, Inc. or 608-258-5560 ext. 27 or 34.

55+ Home Repair Program

The County of Rock is offering Home Improvement Grants for senior home owners—age 55 or older—to make home repairs and accessibility modifications to help meet the challenges of aging in place safely and affordably.
This program is an opportunity for senior home owners (55 yrs. or older) to make home repairs or improvements that will keep their home in good condition and bring it up to minimum housing quality standards.

How do I qualify for the 55 Plus Program?
✓ Live in the home as your primary residence
✓ Household must meet income eligibility requirements and 1 homeowner is at least 55 years or older
✓ Live outside the Cities of Beloit or Janesville

LOAN TERMS: One-half (50%) of the total rehab loan will be forgiven at the end of 5 years. These are 0% Interest loans with no monthly repayments (deferred). However, the loan is due upon sale, transfer, or not living in the home as your primary residence.

Home Rehab 

Zero (0%) interest loans are available through the Rock County Community Development Program to make needed repairs. These loans are secured by a second mortgage with no monthly repayments.  

Do you qualify?

✓ Is your home within Rock County—outside the Cities of Beloit or Janesville?
✓ Do you own your home or own a rental property?
✓ Is your household income at or below 80% of Rock County median income? (See chart below)
✓ Is your home in need of: roof repair, siding repair, electrical updates, plumbing repairs, window replacement, or accessibility retro-fits for disabled occupants?

Repairs might include:

• Renovation or replacement of mechanicals
• Repair of the structure of a home, including foundations, walls, and floors
• Exterior improvements like painting, residing, porch or deck repair
• Accessibility improvements, including those necessary to allow a household to remain safely in their home

Down Payment Assistance

Rock County has funding available for down payment assistance available to qualified borrowers and offered as a zero percent interest loan. Repayment is deferred until sale, the property is transferred, or if the property ceases to be the primary residence of the borrower.

✓ Do you want to buy a home in Rock County—outside the Cities of Beloit or Janesville?
✓ Do you need help with a down payment or closing costs?
✓ Is your household income at or below 80% of Rock County’s Median Income?

Loan Amount: Maximum loan amount up to $8,000, minimum $1,000. Actual amount based on household need (financing gap).

Repayment Terms: Zero percent interest loan. Deferred until sale, property is transferred, or if the property ceases to be the primary residence.

Rental Property Rehabilitation Program

Rock County has funding available to provide property owners with access to funds to rehabilitate rental units that are rented to low income households.  Loans made to landlords provide the necessary funds to bring rental units up to local codes for safety. Several inspections are completed to determine what work needs to be done to bring the unit up to County standards. Property owners must agree to make the improved units available for rent to low/moderate income households during the affordability period and rents must remain affordable at or below Fair Market Rent rates set by HUD.

Loan Terms: The loan amount is limited to $24,999 per unit, although higher loan amounts may be approved upon special request to Rock County. A monthly payment is required based on a loan term of 10 years, and a 3% interest rate. The loan is secured by a Mortgage and Note. Responsibility to repay the loan is transferred to any new property owner along with the affordability requirements. Repayment of the loan at time of closing/sale does not terminate the affordability restrictions if sold during the affordability period.

Applications, Flyers and Brochures for each program are available below.