BCNI takes a wholesale approach to addressing the housing challenges in our community, which includes addressing the needs of small rental properties in addition to owner occupied properties.
We currently administer awards for two State-funded programs focused on small rental properties in the City of Schenectady, and in Montgomery and Fulton Counties.
VACANT PROPERTY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
BCNI is the Local Program Administrator (LPA) for The Vacant Rental Improvement Program (“VRP”), a grant program funded by the State of New York and administered by the Housing Trust Fund Corporation’s (HTFC) Office of Community Renewal (OCR). The VRP supports the repair and rehabilitation of vacant rental units and other vacant spaces to increase the supply of critically needed apartments for low- and moderate-income renters outside of New York City. The program aims to help owners of rental properties bring vacant units and spaces in small-scale properties back into productive use to create safe, quality, and affordable long-term rental units.
Eligible repairs may include plumbing, electrical work, heating, structural improvements, and other essential renovations. Property owners must agree to rent the rehabilitated units at affordable rates to income-qualified tenants for a period of 10 years following an award of funds. Specific eligibility criteria, funding limits, and application requirements apply. For more information, please review the material below or contact BCNI’s VPIP Team at VRP@BCNIHousing.org.
VPIP Application Materials
- This packet is provided solely for reference and includes detailed program guidelines and instructions, supporting documentation & background information, and helpful tips on completing the application. Please note: There is no need to return any materials from Packet 1.
Application Packet 2 – Fillable
- This packet contains the application form and all documents to be signed. Within Packet 2, you will find the main application form, required forms that must be completed & signed, and a checklist of additional documentation needed for complete submission.
- Please ensure that all forms in Packet 2 are completed, signed, and returned along with any other required materials.
LEADING IN LEAD PREVENTION PILOT PROGRAM
BCNI is the Local Program Administrator (LPA) for The Leading in Lead Prevention Pilot Program (LEAD), a grant program funded by the State of New York and administered by the Housing Trust Fund Corporation’s (HTFC) Office of Community Renewal (OCR). LEAD is administered by BCNI locally in partnership with the Departments of Health of Montgomery and Fulton Counties. This program targets the abatement of lead-based paint hazards in multi-unit rental properties built before 1980 in Montgomery County, zip code 12010 and Fulton County, zip code 12078. Each qualified property may be eligible for up to $40,000 per unit in assistance to address lead-based paint hazards. BCNI is currently seeking applications from local property owners in these target areas, and EPA Certified Firms to perform this work.