Emergency Repair Program

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Emergency Repair Program

What is the Emergency Repair Program (ERP)?

This program provides financial assistance to low-income, rural homeowners by providing a forgivable loan to pay for emergency repairs in the home to ensure the occupants' continued safety.

Who is eligible?

As a homeowner, you may be eligible for assistance under this program if you meet ALL of the following conditions:

• Your home is located in a rural Manitoba area with a population of fewer than 2,500.
• You own and occupy the property as your principle residence on a year-round basis.
• Your total gross household income is below the established Housing Income Limit (HIL) for the area where the property is located.
• Your home requires an emergency repair which, if left unattended, would jeopardize the health and safety of the occupants.

What types of repairs are eligible?

Generally, repairs that constitute an emergency situation are eligible for assistance. These repairs may be permanent or temporary and are not intended to restore the house to minimum property standards, but rather, ensure the residence is fit for continued safe occupancy.

Examples of emergency repairs may include:

• a structural failure of any kind
• a major plumbing leak, or failure of water supply equipment such as pumps and tanks
• a failure of the home's main source of heat
• severe damage to, or failure of, the home's exterior, including roof, walls, windows and doors

Work that is not considered urgent will not qualify for assistance. All required repairs must be started within 60 days of approval and be completed within 90 days of approval.

Please note: Work carried out before you receive approval of the ERP loan in writing is NOT eligible for funding under this program.

What financial assistance is available?

Assistance is in the form of a fully forgivable loan — it does not have to be repaid as long as the occupant continues to live in the house for at least six months. The amount of the loan depends on where your house is located. Northern areas of the province may be eligible for up to $9,000, southern areas up to $6,000.

If the cost of repairs is higher than the loan amount, the homeowner must cover the additional costs. The loan also depends on the actual cost of repairs that are eligible to receive funding. (Only urgent repairs are considered under this program.)

For your information

If you meet the eligibility criteria and wish to receive an application package, or if you require additional information on the ERP, contact the Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation — Affordable Housing.

For more information on these programs or to find out how to apply for financial assistance, contact:

Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation — Affordable Housing
113 – 114 Garry Street
Winnipeg, MB R3C 4V4
Phone: 945-5566 (in Winnipeg)
Toll-free: 1-866-689-5566

The Emergency Repair Program (ERP) is cost shared by the federal and provincial governments.