County announces $2 million Healthy Homes HVAC program for small rental properties

County staff updated the committee March 4 on a $2 million state appropriation for a Healthy Homes program that will fund HVAC improvements at eligible rental properties across the county.

Dominic Sprezo said the appropriation aims to improve heating and cooling systems at properties with six units or fewer where tenant households earn below 80% of area median income. "Eligibility really is pretty simple: 6 units or less on a property, and the tenant household has to earn less than 80% of the area median income," Sprezo said; the presentation noted that 80% AMI is roughly $96,000 for a family of four. The initial application window opened Monday and will remain open through April 2; staff said approximately $2,000,000 must be spent by July 2027.

Sprezo said the landlord must apply but eligibility is based on occupant income; members asked about application caps and whether full replacements or minor repairs are allowable. Staff estimated typical project costs of roughly $20,000–$40,000 but said projects are site dependent and there is no stated single cap. Staff reported outreach has already begun to the county’s landlord networks and that applications are starting to arrive.