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Home Improvement Grants & Loans
The Fridley Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) provides a variety of housing rehabilitation programs to help Fridley residents maintain and improve their homes and apartments. The following is a summary of the programs available. Loan and grant programs can be used simultaneously for eligible projects.
Applications for 2024 Deferred Loans and Grants are expected to be available in late winter/early spring 2024.
Home Advising
Free Remodeling Advisor Visits
Not sure where to begin? This FREE service for Fridley homeowners includes a visit to your home to assist with remodeling ideas, evaluate necessary repairs and improvements, and assist with reviewing bids. Call 612-335-5884 to schedule an appointment.
Home Energy Squad Enhanced Visits
Save Money and Energy in Your Home! A $50 investment in your home could save you hundreds!
What to expect:
- Installation of energy saving materials such as door weather-stripping, a programmable thermostat, LED light bulbs, a water heater blanket, and high efficiency water fixtures.
- Perform a blower door test to measure your home for air leaks.
- Complete an insulation inspection.
- Perform safety checks on your heating system and water heater.
- Recommend cost-effective energy upgrades.
- Leave you with a report that serves as a road map for next steps you can take to make your home more energy efficient.
This home visit also qualifies you for utility rebates, including Fridley's Insulation Rebate, as well as access to specialized energy financing. And, new for 2023, completing a Home Energy Squad visit increases your likelihood of being selected for a Front Door Grant. Click here to schedule an appointment online or call 612-228-6220.
This program is provided by CenterPoint Energy and Xcel Energy in partnership with Center for Energy and Environment (CEE), a local non-profit, and supported by the Fridley HRA.
Plan now for your 2024 Home Improvement Projects
If there are major projects on your 2023 Home Improvement “To Do” list, however, planning ahead for next construction season could save you money and time in the long run.
- Prepare a list of possible projects. If you are considering energy efficiency upgrades, this is a great time to contact the Home Energy Squad to schedule a visit (information above). For general improvements, the Fridley HRA offers a no-cost Remodeling Advisor service (information above).
- Contact professional contractors to bid the work or begin preparing materials lists and implementation timeframes for DIY projects. It is always a good idea to consider prices from 2-3 sources, as pricing will vary.
- Some contractors—particularly for landscaping projects—will not be able to give an accurate price estimate when the ground is covered in snow, so do not wait to contact firms. Winter can be an ideal time some types of landscaping projects, including tree trimming and removal.
- Ask friends and neighbors for advice on finding a contractor. The City of Fridley cannot provide referrals.
Develop a financing plan. Once you have an idea of project costs & when they will be incurred, it’s time to plan your financing. Will you put money into savings extra each month until the project begins? Will you set aside your tax refund? Will you apply for a grant or loan?
Applications for Fridley’s Deferred Loan & Grant Programs are expected to be available in late winter/early spring. (Low-interest loans are available year-round.) These programs can help fund most types of permanent property improvements.
- Research permit requirements at fridleymn.gov/1604/Permits
- Many types of property improvements require a permit & city inspection, in order to ensure that work is completed safely. If a contractor is performing the work, they will typically be the one to apply for required permits. However, the property owner is ultimately responsible.
- Building permits are valid for 180 days (six months) after approval, so wait until you are ready to begin work to submit an application.
Home Improvement Loans
Low Interest Loan
- 4 percent fixed rate*
- Loan amounts from $1,000 - $50,000 - perfect for any size project
- No income limits
- Affordable payments with terms up to 20 years
- Available for single-family homes
*Interest rates are subject to change following action by the HRA Board
Multi-Family Exterior Loan
- 4 percent fixed rate*
- $50,000 maximum loan amount
- No income limits
- 1-12 unit properties are eligible
- Eligible improvements include corrections to code violations, interior and exterior structure improvements
*Interest rates are subject to change following action by the HRA Board
Learn more and apply online for the Multi-Family Exterior Loan.
Mobile Home Improvement Loan
- 4 percent fixed rate*
- $10,000 maximum loan amount
- No income limits
- Most interior and exterior improvements are eligible
*Interest rates are subject to change following action by the HRA Board
Learn more and apply online for the Mobile Home Improvement Loan.
Emergency Deferred Loans
An emergency is defined as a condition that makes a house uninhabitable, extremely dangerous to the occupants, or is capable of causing severe health problems.
- 0 percent (0.125 percent APR)*
- No monthly payments.
- Loan amounts from $500 to $10,000.
- *APR based on $10,000 for 30 years.
Down Payment Assistance Loan
The intent of this program is to provide an additional incentive for first time home buyers to move to Fridley. The loan carries no interest and payment is deferred until the property is sold, refinanced, transferred or is no longer owner-occupied.
Loan Terms / Eligibility
- Loan amounts up to $5,000
- 0 percent annual percentage rate (APR)
- Income limit of 110 percent of Area Median Income (AMI) based on household size
- The loan is deferred until the property is sold, refinanced, transferred or is no longer owner-occupied
- Financing is secured by a mortgage on the property
- Closing costs apply
- Borrower must be considered a first-time homebuyer as defined by someone who hasn’t owned a home within the last three years.
- Prior to closing the homebuyer(s) MUST attend a Home Stretch workshop or other valid homebuyers course offered through an approved counseling agency by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
- One to four unit, owner occupied buildings
- Single family, townhomes, duplexes, condominiums, and properties held in a trust are eligible
Senior Deferred Loans
As of January 31, 2023, funding is no longer available for 2023 Senior Deferred Loans. Interested applicants may check back in 2024 for additional opportunities.
- 0 percent interest rate
- $25,000 maximum loan amount
- No income limits
- Residential properties eligible
- Eligible improvements are most interior and exterior projects
- Loan approval is subject to credit and program guidelines
Correction: The January/February 2023 edition of the Fridley Community Connection newsletter stated that Senior Deferred Loans are available to homeowners age 55+. To be eligible for this program, at least one borrower must be at least 62 years of age.
Rebates & Grants
Insulation Rebate
Increased insulation may improve your home's efficiency and comfort. This program will match utility (CenterPoint Energy or Xcel Energy) insulation rebates up to $500 for projects completed after January 1, 2022.
Program Guidelines and Eligibility:
- Rebates available for attic air sealing, attic insulation, wall insulation, and rim joist installation projects that have received a utility insulation rebate.
- All insulation work must have been completed after January 1, 2022.
- All applicants must have had a Home Energy Squad visit occurring after January 1, 2019 to qualify. (Applicants may apply for the rebate if their Home Energy Squad visit has been scheduled, but has not yet been completed, at the time of application.)
- The program only matches utility rebates; installer or manufacturer rebates do not qualify.
- Receipt of utility rebate is required. Applicants must submit their application, including a copy of their utility rebate check, within 60 days of date on rebate check.
- The Fridley rebate check will be issued to the same person listed on the utility rebate.
- Rebate is only available to properties of 1-4 units.
- Funding is limited and subject to availability. Rebates will be approved based on order of receipt.
- Checks will be mailed to recipient 2-3 weeks after application submission.
More Information
Improvements to your home's building envelope (e.g., windows, doors, and insulation) may qualify for tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. (Credits will be available through 2032.) Learn more on the ENERGY STAR website.
Questions? Email Nancy.Abts@FridleyMN.gov or call 763-572-3593.
Water Rebate Program
For a limited time, Fridley residents and businesses can qualify for rebates of up to 75 percent off the cost of water efficient appliances and irrigation system components. Rebates are available on a first come, first serve basis.
Front Door Grant Program -- Not accepting applications
Grant application was deadline: Monday, March 6, 2023, 4:00 p.m.
Front Door Grant applications are made online
This program is meant to provide an incentive for homeowners to increase the “curb appeal” of their home (and the City) by making improvements on the street side of their home. Regardless of visual impact, "Basic" routine maintenance projects (such as residing a home or replacing windows) may be included with a Front Door Grant only alongside the specified Beautification projects.
Grants are provided to pay for a portion of the improvements. Project tasks are considered either Basic or Beautification and the Grant amount varies based on type of work being completed. To be eligible for this program and receive the minimum grant of $1,000, homeowners must invest a minimum of $4,000 in projects from the specified "Beautifications Projects" listed below.
Grant amount ranges from $1,000 up to $5,000. Beautification Projects are reimbursed at 25% of project cost. (Optional) Basic Projects are reimbursed at 15% of project costs.
Eligibility:
- Owner Occupied, Homesteaded, single family or duplex property
- Current on property taxes
- Property valued at less than $400,000 (Verify via Anoka County)
- Beautification project must be visible from street in front of home
- Work may not begin until project approval by City and HRA
- May have received prior Fridley HRA Grants in previous years; however, priority will be given to those who have not previously received a grant
- Projects must include at least one item and at least $4,000 worth of work from the Beautification Project list
Beautification Projects (25% reimbursement) TWO projects and at least $4,000 worth of Beautification Project work required | Basic Projects (15% reimbursement) Optional, once $4,000 Beautification Project minimum is met |
Front door, storm door and/or garage door replacement | Roof |
Sidelight windows by front door | Siding |
Columns at front door | Painting |
Covered front porch | Soffit / Fascia |
Brick, stone or shakes | Trim |
Permanent landscaping | Gutters |
Driveway & Sidewalk repair & replacement | Windows |
Window boxes & shutters | Retaining wall - repair or replace |
Screening of utility boxes, garbage/recycling cans | Chimney repair, tuck-pointing, repointing |
Decorative fence | Deck or Porch – front/side yard, visible from front |
| Eligible permanent interior upgrades, including but not to limited major remodeling, building an addition, or finishing previously unfinished space. |
- Apply online for a Front Door Grant
- View a guide to completing an online grant application (PDF)
You will receive an automated notification once your online application is received.
Applicants who have applied by the Front Door Grant Application Deadline of 4:00 p.m. on March 6, 2023, will be notified of their grant status the following week. Please do not contact the City to inquire about your grant status prior to March 15, 2023.
New for 2023: Readiness Scores (Optional)
If applications exceed available funds, grants will be awarded by lottery, amongst eligible applicants. Priority will be given to those who have not previously received a Front Door Grant, and those who have demonstrate project “readiness”.
The following optional items will be reviewed to determine a project’s Readiness Score (ranging from 0-7 points). Items should be submitted at the time of application to be included in a Readiness Score. Applicants with a higher Readiness Score will have a higher probability of being selected for funding.
Bids should be dated within a year of the application. Consultations should have been completed since January 2021. Readiness Scores will be calculated based on the following materials:
+2 points: Applicant submits one bid, or, for DIY projects, a materials & price list
+2 points: Applicant submits additional bids, or, for DIY projects, a detailed implementation timeline including start & end dates of project components
+2 points: Applicant has received written recommendations as the result of a Remodeling Advisor visit (since January 2021). Written recommendations following a site visit from a licensed Architect or Landscape Architect or local agency staff will also be considered
+ 1 point: Applicant has completed a Home Energy Squad Visit and received written recommendations (since January 2021)
If you are selected for funding
If selected for a grant, Staff will send you a list of Next Steps, or a waitlist notice or notice of ineligibility if not selected.
A grant Participation Agreement will be prepared based on the final bids (or materials lists) submitted to the HRA. (Alternately, if you submit bids at the time of application, you can confirm that you will be proceeding with the bids.) Your maximum grant amount will be determined at this time and cannot be increased. Funds are reserved for your project once the Grant Participation Agreement has been signed. If funds remain uncommitted as of Monday, April 24, 2023, they may be made available to other housing program applicants.
Projects should be completed within six months of signing the Grant Participation Agreement.
Residential Paint Rebate Program -- Not accepting applications
Check back in spring 2024 for applications
DO NOT purchase supplies or begin your painting project before receiving a signed Participation Agreement from HRA Staff.
This program was developed to eliminate blight, preserve and improve the appearance of neighborhoods by providing rebates of up to $500 for cost of materials and supplies for exterior painting of eligible homes, by low- and moderate-income families. Maximum rebate of $500 for single family homes, and up to $350 per unit (not to exceed $1,400) for owner-occupied multi-unit properties.
Eligible Applicants:
- Homeowners: Owner occupant, holding title to the property. Household Income may not exceed 110% of Area Median Income (AMI)
- Owners of Rental Property: Up to 4 unit-buildings; owner must live in building. Household income may not exceed 110% AMI
Apply for the Residential Paint Rebate Program in Spring 2024
DO NOT purchase supplies or begin your painting project before receiving a signed Participation Agreement from HRA Staff.
Projects should be completed within 4 months of application.
View max income limits for 2023 (PDF)
Anoka County Resources
Anoka County offers additional information for homeowners and renters, including home buying information, additional finance programs, fair housing, senior housing, foreclosure prevention and more.
Federal Tax Credits
Improvements to your home's building envelope (e.g., windows, doors, and insulation) may qualify for tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. (Credits will be available through 2032.) Learn more on the ENERGY STAR website.