Pinellas homeowners can get zero-interest loan for major repairs  

Pinellas County is seeking new qualified applicants for the Home Repair Loan Program, which can provide up to $55,000 in a zero-interest loan for windows, roofs, air conditioning and other critical repairs.

Additionally, the County has recently increased its Independent Living Grant for homeowners to add accessibility improvements like wheelchair ramps or grab bars, with up $20,000 now available.

Homeowners who make up to $48,650 as an individual annually ($69,500 for a family of four) can qualify for both programs to make improvements to their primary residence.  

The programs are available for homes in unincorporated Pinellas and most cities, except for Belleair Shore, Largo, Clearwater and St. Petersburg; residents in these areas can check with their cities for similar assistance.

Program details and an online application is available online at: pinellas.gov/homerepair.

Alicia Hannin qualified to get her windows, air conditioner and electrical box replaced at her condo in unincorporated Clearwater.

“That was a big financial decision for me to be able to get all these things done,” she said.

“And with a no-interest loan through Pinellas County for 20 years; nobody could give me a no-interest loan. They all wanted the money within a year or two max, and that was a lot of money for me to come up with.”

Eligible improvements

Home Repair Loan Program (Zero-interest loan up to $55,000)

•Roof – including soffit/fascia

•Windows and exterior doors

•Air conditioning/heating

•Housing Code related electrical upgrades

Independent Living Program (Accessibility Grant up to $20,000)

•Wheelchair ramps

•Railing

•Bathroom grab bars

•Tub to shower conversions

•Walk-in or roll-in showers

•ADA-approved toilets

•Door widening

•Other improvements to promote barrier-free housing

To qualify for either program, the applicant’s home cannot exceed a just value of $375,000 based on valuation of the Pinellas County Property Appraiser.

Other affordable housing programs  

These programs are just a couple examples of how Pinellas County is helping people struggling with the high cost of housing.

Through the Advantage Pinellas Housing Action Plan, Pinellas County and city governments have committed to supporting existing and new homes for rent or homeownership that are affordable to people at all income levels.

Public-private partnerships have already resulted in thousands of individuals and families finding affordably-priced homes in the last few years.