Targeting Small Rental Properties and Affordability
Governor Stein emphasized the program’s focus on helping low- to moderate-income families by stabilizing the rental market.
“Helene caused significant damage to rental homes Western North Carolina,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Today, I am excited to announce the launch of Renew NC’s second housing program, targeting small rental properties and focused on creating affordable rental units for low- to moderate-income families recovering from Helene.”
The program is designed to assist small-scale property owners who were severely impacted by the storm.
Key Eligibility Requirements:
Property Type: Owners of one to four rental units per property.
Disaster Impact: Properties must have been damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Helene.
Affordability Commitment: Owners must agree to maintain affordable rent rates for a 10-year period following construction. (This rate is typically based on HUD’s Low- to Moderate-Income guidelines for the county).
Swift Action for Housing Recovery
North Carolina Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley stated that addressing the needs of both homeowners and renters is paramount for full regional recovery.
“Recovery housing must serve both homeowners and renters. The launch of this program is another important step in our western North Carolina housing recovery initiatives,” said Secretary Lilley. “Construction for our Single-Family Housing Program launched in record time, and we are moving with urgency with the launch of this Small Rental program to meet the region’s needs.”
North Carolina previously led the nation by launching its initial home rebuilding and renovation program—the fastest post-hurricane reconstruction effort using HUD CDBG-DR funding in more than a decade.
Funding and Eligible Locations
The Renew NC programs are funded through a Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Of the total $1.4 billion allocated for WNC recovery, $57.4 million is dedicated to the Small Rental Rehabilitation Program.
Owners of rental properties in the following 29 eligible counties can apply:
Alexander
Alleghany
Ashe
Avery
Buncombe
Burke
Caldwell
Catawba
Clay
Cleveland
Gaston
Haywood
Henderson
Jackson
Lincoln
Macon
Madison
McDowell
Mecklenburg (28214 ZIP code only)
Mitchell
Polk
Rutherford
Surry
Swain
Transylvania
Watauga
Wilkes
Yadkin
Yancey
How to Apply
Potential applicants seeking assistance can find more information about the Renew NC Small Rental Rehabilitation Program or determine their eligibility by visiting www.renewnc.orgor by calling the program directly at 1-888-791-0207.
Applications can be submitted:
Online
Over the phone with a case manager
Through the application app