Purpose:
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) makes it easier for consumers to obtain affordable home improvement loans by insuring loans made by private lenders to improve properties that meet certain requirements. "Lending institutions make loans from their own funds to eligible borrowers to finance these improvements."

Type of Assistance:
The Title I program insures loans to finance the light or moderate rehabilitation of properties, as well as the construction of nonresidential buildings on the property. This program may be used to insure such loans for up to 20 years on either single- or multifamily properties. The maximum loan amount is $25,000 for improving a single-family home or for improving or building a nonresidential structure.

For improving a multifamily structure, the maximum loan amount is $12,000 per family unit, not to exceed a total of $60,000 for the structure. These are fixed-rate loans, for which lenders charge interest at market rates. The interest rates are not subsidized by HUD, although some communities participate in local housing rehabilitation programs that provide reduced-rate property improvement loans through Title I lenders.

FHA insures private lenders against the risk of default for up to 90 percent of any single loan. The annual premium for this insurance is $1 per $100 of the amount advanced; although this fee may be charged to the borrower separately, it is sometimes covered by a higher interest charge.

Eligible Lenders:
Only lenders approved by HUD specifically for this program can make loans covered by Title I insurance. Title I loans can be disbursed directly to the borrower or, if the loan is made through a dealer, the disbursement will be made jointly to the dealer and the borrower. While most lenders and dealers/contractors use this program responsibly, HUD urges consumers to use caution in choosing and supervising home repair dealers/contractors conducting Title I repair/renovation work. Previously HUD had reviewed some Title I dealer loans and discovered several instances of unscrupulous dealers/contractors performing shoddy work, falsifying documents, overcharging homeowners and use of deceptive advertising. HUD has taken new measures in an attempt to prevent further occurrences in dealer originated loans.

Eligible Customers:
Eligible borrowers include the owner of the property to be improved, the person leasing the property (provided that the lease will extend at least 6 months beyond the date when the loan must be repaid), or someone purchasing the property under a land installment contract.

Eligible Activities:
Title I loans may be used to finance permanent property improvements that protect or improve the basic livability or utility of the property--including manufactured homes, single-family and multifamily homes, nonresidential structures, and the preservation of historic homes. The loans can also be used for fire safety equipment.

Application:
Applications must be submitted to a Title I-approved lender.

Funding Status:
In FY 2003 HUD insured 4,720 Title I loans with a value of $59 million. HUD estimates that Title I loans made in FY 2004 may reach $73 million.

Technical Guidance:
This program is authorized under Title I, Section 2, of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1703). Program regulations are in 24 CFR Part 201. The program is administered by the Home Mortgage Insurance Division of HUD's Office of Housing-Federal Housing Administration.