ASHEVILLE — While much of the recovery focus following Hurricane Helene has centered on individual homeowners, a significant portion of Western North Carolina’s housing stock remains in limbo: small-scale rental properties. In response, the North Carolina Department of Commerce has officially opened applications for the Renew NC Small Rental Rehabilitation Program (SRRP), a targeted initiative designed to restore the region’s depleted rental market.
The program, funded by a $57.4 million allocation of federal disaster recovery grants, is specifically aimed at "mom and pop" landlords who often fall through the cracks of traditional disaster aid.
Program at a Glance: What Landlords Need to Know
The SRRP is not a loan; it is a grant program designed to repair, reconstruct, or replace rental units that sustained unrepaired damage during the September 2024 storm.
Eligibility: Owners of small rental properties consisting of 1 to 4 units (per parcel).
Service Area: The program covers 28 Western NC counties, including Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, and Yancey.
The Funding: Assistance is provided to cover the cost of repairs or full reconstruction. While specific award caps vary by structure type, the program is designed to restore units to safe, sanitary, and resilient standards.
The "Affordability" Requirement: To qualify, landlords must agree to a 10-year affordability period. During this time, units must be leased to tenants earning 80% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI), and rents must remain within HUD-specified limits.
Why It Matters for WNC
In communities like Marshall, Swannanoa, and Boone, the loss of small-scale rentals has exacerbated an already critical housing shortage. Many local landlords have been unable to afford the high cost of rebuilding while also maintaining the affordable rent levels their long-term tenants require.
"This is about more than just fixing buildings; it’s about stabilizing our neighborhoods," state recovery officials noted during the March 11 launch. "Small rentals are the backbone of the workforce housing in the mountains."
Critical Requirements
Landlords should be aware of a few strict federal rules:
Vacancy Rule: Units must be vacant at the time of application and remain vacant until construction is complete. The program strictly prohibits evicting current tenants just to qualify for the grant.
Ownership: Priority is given to those who owned the property at the time of the storm and still own it today.
No "Pre-Repair": Owners are urged not to begin non-emergency repairs before an environmental review is completed by the state, as doing so could disqualify the property from receiving funds.
Applications are being accepted through the Renew NC online portal or in person at intake centers in Asheville (128 Bingham Road), Boone, and Marion.
For a full list of documentation required or to speak with a case manager, residents can visit RenewNC.org or call the recovery hotline at 1-888-791-0207.
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