San José Department of Housing - Programs - Strong Neighborhoods Initiative (SNI)

Eligible Applicants
Owners of residential rental properties located within the City of San José Strong Neighborhoods Initiative (SNI) areas can apply for grants or loans. At least 51% of the units must be occupied by households at or below the Santa Clara County median-income level, adjusted for family size. Please refer to the 2002 Santa Clara County Income Eligibility Chart for eligible income levels.

Grant Limits
Exterior Improvement Grants are available up to a maximum of $25,000 per property (parcel) located within a designated SNI area. A Repair Grant is also available for up to a maximum of $15,000 per property (parcel). To qualify for both grants, at least 51% of the units must be occupied by households at or below the Santa Clara County low-income level, adjusted for family size. Properties that do not meet the low-income level requirements are eligible only for the Exterior Improvement Grant of $25,000.

Program Limits
The program can be a combination of both grant and loan funds, depending upon the actual cost of the necessary repair/improvement work and eligibility of the tennants.

Loan Limits

If the cost of improvements exceed the available grant amounts, the City offers a 3% interest rate loan.
Loans may have a payment deferal for a maximum of three years.
Low-income tenants must occupy 51% of the units.
Maximum loan for a Single Family Residence is $85,000 and $55,000 per unit for properties with two or more units with low-income tenants.

Terms

Grants are provided at the discretion of the Housing Department and are subject to the terms of the SNI Grant Agreement.
Loans will be secured by recorded Deed of Trust.
Loans accrue interest at a rate of 3% with a maximum term of 30 years.
The Housing Department's rent restrictions apply.
Properties of eight units or more are subject to additional requirements.

Eligible Improvements
The improvements financed by the City's Repair Grant must be used to correct health & safety hazards, energy efficiency, and exterior improvements as determined by the Housing Department's Project Coordinator. Exterior improvements must be in conformance with the appropriate SNI Neighborhood Advissory Council (NAC) guidelines.

Eligible Exterior Improvements

Roof Replacement/Repairs
Exterior Paint
Front Landscape/Irrigation
Private Walkways and Driveways
Front Fencing
Exterior Front and Garage Doors

Application Process
Once an application is complete and basic program eligibility has been established, the application will be considered for approval. After approval, a Housing Department Project Coordinator will work with the applicant to make arrangements with the contractors to perform the approved improvements and repairs.

For further information please contact a Coordinator at:
City of San José
Department of Housing - SNI Home Improvement Program
200 East Santa Clara Street
San José, CA 95113
408.535.3860