Community Development
Housing
Contact Information
Housing Programs
Home Improvement Loan
Home Improv. Emergency
Home Improv. Grant
Emergency Grant
Neighborhood Services
Mobile Home Exclusion
First Time Homebuyer
CD Commission Programs
Mortgage Credit Certif.
Home Ownershop Progr.
Police Resid. Incentive
Program Requirements
Public Info / Events
FAQs
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Engineering
Environmental Services
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The City of El Monte offers several housing programs designed to assist its residents with maintaining clean, decent and safe living environments, and creating affordable homeownership opportunities.
    Contact Information:
DEPUTY CITY MANAGER FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT/CITY ENGINEER
Kev Tcharkhoutian

HOUSING MANAGER
Javier Reyes

Telephone:  626 580-2070
Fax: 626-580-2293
Location: City Hall West
11333 Valley Boulevard
El Monte, CA. 91731-3293

E-mail: Housing Division General Mailbox

Office Hours:
Monday through Thursday
7:00am to 5:30pm

    General Information:
2007-08 Action Plan
2006-07 CAPER
Consolidated Plan (2005-09)
    FY 2008-09 Notice of Funding Availability for CDBG/ESG/Home Programs:
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
 
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is a federal grant program administered by HUD. The City receives an annual allocation of CDBG funds from HUD to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate income persons.

The City is accepting proposals for the following categories:

  Application for Public Service Programs (These funds are no longer available)
  CDBG Public Services Application Instructions
  CDBG Public Services 2008 Application for Funding
  Application for Capital, Equipment, and Facility Projects
  El Monte 2008 CDBG Capital Application and Instructions
  Applications are due to the City of El Monte - Community Development Department/Housing Section by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, February 27,2008. Facsimiles, e-mails, late submittals or postmarks will not be accepted.
   
Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG)
 
The Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) program is a federal grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Each year the City receives an annual allocation of ESG funds from HUD to support programs and projects that prevent homelessness and to enable homeless individuals and families to move toward independent living.
  To effectively use this source of funds and help meet these goals, the City partners with various public and private service providers. If you are interested in submitting a proposal to the City for these funds please complete the application below. All applications must be submitted to the City's Community Development/Housing Section no later 5:00 PM on Wednesday, February 27,2008. Facsimiles, e-mails, late submittals or postmarks will not be accepted.
  2008 El Monte ESG Application and Instructions
  NOTE: The ESG program requires that a contribution (match) be made toward the program/project. This match requirement must be no less than one dollar ($1.00) for every ESG dollar spent.
   
HOME Investment Partnership (HOME)
 
Each year the City of El Monte receives federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Home Investments Partnership (HOME) program to create affordable housing for both renters and home buyers, rehabilitating existing homes and turning around troubled neighborhoods.
  The primary objective of the HOME program is to increase the supply of affordable housing for low- and very low-income households. Eligible costs under the HOME Program depend on the nature of the program activity. Generally, the City’s HOME funds will be used to support: 1) Homeowner rehabilitation; 2) Homebuyer activities; and 3) Rental Housing.
  In addition, HOME has a secondary purpose of supporting the development and sustainability of non-profit housing providers. To achieve this, the HOME program requires the City to set aside at least fifteen percent (15%) of its annual HOME allocation on development projects undertaken by Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDO), a private nonprofit corporation that meets a series of qualification requirements prescribed in the HOME regulations.
 
To effectively use this source of funds and help meet these program goals, the City partners with various public and private affordable housing developers. If you are interested in submitting a proposal to the City for these funds please complete the application below. All applications must be submitted to the City's Community Development/Housing Section no later 5:00 PM on Wednesday, February 27,2008. Facsimiles, e-mails, late submittals or postmarks will not be accepted.
  Notice of Home Capital Expenditure Application and Instructions
  Home Capital Expenditure 2008 Application for Funding
 
NOTE: The HOME program requires that a contribution (match) be made toward the affordable housing project. This match requirement must be no less than 25 cents for every HOME dollar spent.
    Fair Housing Service Information:
The Housing Rights Center (HRC) provides FREE fair housing services to El Monte residents and community members. HRC offers housing discrimination complaint investigation, landlord/tenant counseling, predatory lending referrals, outreach and education, and legal and advocacy services. For additional information, please call (800) 477-5977, or visit their website at www.hrc-la.org.

HRC also offers office hours every Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the City of El Monte, City Hall West located at 11333 Valley Boulevard, El Monte. The number for this office is (626) 580-2077.

    Housing Programs :
 

The City of El Monte Housing Division offers the following housing programs that promote safe, decent, affordable living environments primarily to persons of low and moderate income resulting in safe, functional, attractive, economically and environmentally sound residential neighborhoods within the City:

Home Improvement Loan Program
Home Improvement Emergency Loan Program
Home Improvement Grant Program
Home Improvement Emergency Grant Program
Neighborhood Services Program
First-Time Homebuyer Program

   Home Improvement Loan Program:
A 0% interest loan of up to $35,000 requiring “no” monthly payments is provided to eligible people. There must be sufficient equity in the property. The loan-to-value cannot exceed 100% of the after-rehab value of the home. The loan is repaid when the property is sold, title is changed/or transferred, property is re-financed, or the unit is no longer owner-occupied.
To qualify for this Program, the property must be in the City of El Monte and owner-occupied. The household must have an annual income that does not exceed the HUD-specified 80% of median-income limits based on family size (call 626-580-2070 for most current income limits).
Eligible improvements include, but are not limited to, lead-based paint testing and treatment, electrical, heating, plumbing, roofing, stucco/color-coat, exterior and interior painting, windows, insulation, driveway, flooring, and kitchen & bathroom repairs/remodels.
   Home Improvement "Emergency" Loan Program:
A 0% interest, emergency loan of up to $5,000 requiring “no” monthly payments is provided to eligible people on a one-time-only basis residing in the City of El Monte. In some cases, the loan amount may exceed $5,000 due to the number of health and safety items that must be addressed. There must be sufficient equity in the property. The loan-to-value cannot exceed 100% of the after-rehab value of the home. The loan is repaid when the property is sold, title is changed/or transferred, property is re-financed, or the unit is no longer owner-occupied.
To qualify for this Program, the property must be in the City of El Monte and owner-occupied. The household must have an annual income that does not exceed the HUD-specified 80% of median-income limits based on family size (call 626-580-2070 for most current income limits).
This particular loan is designed to help improve/repair housing conditions that threaten the health and safety of a household (e.g. faulty electrical wiring, faulty plumbing/sewer system, broken water-heater, inoperable heating system, leaky roof).
   Home Improvement Grant Program:
A one-time-only “grant” of up to $5,000 is available to senior citizens (over 62 years of age), and/or to physically challenged individuals residing in the City of El Monte.
To qualify for this Program, the property must be in the City of El Monte and owner-occupied. The household must have an annual income that does not exceed the HUD-specified 80% of median-income limits based on family size (call 626-580-2070 for most current income limits). In addition, the owner(s) must be senior citizens, and/or physically challenged.
Eligible improvements include, but are not limited to, lead-based paint testing and treatment, interior/exterior repairs and painting, handicap ramps and grab bars, wheelchair lifts, window and door repairs, security doors and locks, electrical and plumbing repairs, heating and air conditioning repairs.
   Home Improvement "Emergency" Grant Program:
An emergency grant of up to $1,600 is available to eligible people residing in the City of El Monte with an emergency situation.
To qualify for this Program, the property must be in the City of El Monte and owner-occupied. The household must have an annual income that does not exceed the HUD-specified 80% of median-income limits based on family size (call 626-580-2070 for most current income limits).
This program is a rapid response component where the City is able to respond to emergency repair situations, such as heating system repairs, water-heater replacement, hazardous electrical and plumbing problems, sewer repairs, roof leaks.
   Neighborhood Services Program:
A grant of up to $5,000 is available to eligible people residing in the City of El Monte. The funds must be applied towards the purchase of materials associated with the eligible home improvements. The labor for the eligible improvements shall be provided free of charge by City employees. At the discretion of the City, any and all work associated with the Program can be sub-contracted if the necessary labor pool is not readily available or requires a specialty sub-contractor.
To qualify for this Program, the property must be in the City of El Monte and owner-occupied. The household must have an annual income that does not exceed the HUD-specified 80% of median-income limits based on family size (call 626-580-2070 for most current income limits).
Eligible items include exterior painting, minor landscaping, weed abatement, water-heater replacement, windows, roofing, minor electrical and plumbing, clean-up debris, fencing, security doors and locks, lead-based paint testing and treatment.
  Mobile Home Program Exclusion:
The City does not offer programs for Mobile Homes and/or Trailers. Owners of mobile homes and/or trailers are not eligible for any of the City’s Housing Programs.
  First-Time Homebuyer Program:
The Program will provide City financing assistance of up to 25% of the eligible purchase price in the form of a silent-second mortgage. The loan has a 30-year term, 0% interest and requires no monthly payments.
The Program is implemented on a first-come-first-served basis. The Program is subject to funding availability.
Eligible Participant:
  Must be a lawful permanent resident of the United States
  Must be at least 18 years of age
  Must not have held ownership in a residential property within the preceding three (3) years from time of application
  Must complete a mandatory, HUD-approved, Homebuyer Education course.
Occupancy Requirement:
Participant must occupy the property as a principal place of residence for the term of the loan or until the residence is sold. Participant will be required to submit an annual Affidavit of Occupancy.
Underwriting Criteria:
Participant shall have sufficient income, creditworthiness, meet lender’s underwriting criteria, and fall within the allowable debt ratios to qualify for primary financing.
Down Payment Requirement:
Participant must have a minimum down payment equal to at least 1% of the purchase price plus closing costs.
Co-signers:
Co-signers will be permitted for the sole purpose of assisting the program participant in qualifying for the first mortgage.
Eligible properties:
1) single-family homes, 2) townhomes, and 3) condominiums.. Properties must be located within the City of El Monte, and must be designated for residential use (R-1 zoned). Properties shall contain no more than one (1) residential unit.
Purchase Price (subject to change without notice):
$441,750 is the maximum purchase price permitted for single-family residences and $346,750 for townhouses and condominiums.
Full payment of the Loan becomes immediately due and payable if:
  The Participant sells the home during the 30-year period
  The Participant transfers title (excluding those related to marriage or its dissolution)
  The Participant ceases to use the home as a principal place of residence
  The Participant refinances without approval
  The Participant fails to maintain the property in a decent, safe and sanitary condition
  Property goes into default / foreclosure
To qualify for this Program, participant’s household gross annual income cannot exceed the HUD-specified 80% of median-income limits based on family size (call 626-580-2070 for most current income limits). Household income includes all income from all members over the age of 18 who share the same residence and are not full-time students.
  L.A. COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION PROGRAMS:
  Mortgage Credit Certificate Program:
This particular Federal Program is administered through the Los Angeles County Community Development Commission. The MCC Program offers the first time homebuyer a federal income tax credit. This credit reduces the amount of federal taxes the holder of the certificate would pay. It can also help the first time homebuyer qualify for a loan by allowing a lender to reduce the housing expense ratio by the amount of tax savings.
The qualified homebuyer who is awarded an MCC may take an annual credit against their federal income taxes paid on the homebuyer's mortgage. The credit is subtracted dollar-for-dollar from your federal income taxes. The qualified buyer is awarded a tax credit of up to 15% and the remaining 85% are taken as a deduction from the income in the usual manner.
The County does not make loans. You, the homebuyer, go through the normal process of choosing a Realtor, finding a house, condo, townhouse mobile home or two unit properties (duplex) and arranging financing with a participating lender. If you and the home you are buying are eligible, the lender fills out the MCC application forms for you, and sends them to the County for review. If you and your home qualify, the County can then issue an MCC.
After you receive your MCC, you can take the income tax credit every year, as long as you keep the same home and the original first mortgage and continue to live in the house as your principal residence.
There is a $250.00 NON-REFUNDABLE application fee for an MCC, of which $150.00 is passed on to the CDC. For further information please call (323) 890-7432
The borrower must be a first time homebuyer (must not have held ownership in a residential property within the preceding three (3) years from time of application).
The home must be owner-occupied.
Borrower must invest a minimum of 1% of the down payment, not including closing costs.
All properties built prior to 1978 are required to have a visual and lead base paint inspection and must pass the inspection prior to loan approval.
Borrower must complete an 8-hour homebuyer education seminar from an approved HUD counseling agency.
Household income cannot exceed 80% of the median income for Los Angeles County.
Please call (323) 890-7432 for the maximum purchase price allowed for existing or new homes.
  Home Ownership Program (HOP):
This particular Federal Program is administered through the Los Angeles County Community Development Commission. The Home Ownership Program (HOP) is financed with HOME funds provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is subject to the applicable federal regulations. HOP has been designed to meet the needs of low-income families with the necessary down payment assistance. This program will provide a 2nd Trust Deed loan at 0% interest with all payments deferred until sale, transfer, refinancing, or full repayment of the first mortgage.
HOP loans are only available in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County and cities participating in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Urban County Program. If purchased in the unincorporated areas within designated census tract area the borrower will receive $90,000 or 25% of the purchase price, whichever is least. If purchased in the participating cities the borrower will receive $80,000 or 20% of the purchase price whichever is least.
The County’s first time homebuyer HOP program is no longer available to new construction properties.
You can order the HOP brochure by calling the recorded information line at (323) 890-7281, leave your name and address and the brochure will be mailed to you.
Further information on the MCC and the HOP Programs can be obtained by contacting the L.A. County Office at (323) 890-7034 or http://www.lacdc.org/CDCWebsite/HDP/FirstTimeHomebuyer.aspx
   Police Residence Incentive Program:
The purpose of the Program is to provide El Monte Police Officers (inclusive of all ranks) with financial assistance that is to be used toward the purchase of a principal residence within the City of El Monte.  The Program is based on the concept that the public interest is served and public safety is enhanced by encouraging police officers to live within the City's limits.

The program will provide City financing assistance of up to $10,000 Citywide in the form of a one-time, non-interest bearing, forgivable loan.  There is no maximum purchase price under this program and there is no income restriction.

Participant must be a full-time (non-probationary) El Monte Police Officer.  Participant must occupy the property as a principal place of residence for the term of the loan or until the residence is sold.

The City loan term is 10 years.  No payments will be required and no interest will accrue during this period.  during the course of the City loan, the loan amount shall be reduced and forgiven at a rate of one-tenth (1/10) of the total loan amount for each full year the Participant remains an active, full-time, sworn, El Monte Police Officer, and owns and maintains the property as his/her principal residence.

   Program Participation Requirements:
Program participation requires the elimination of lead based paint of your dwelling if it exists.

Contractor Requirements:

Contractors are required to be licensed by the State of California, maintain workers' compensation insurance, general liability insurance and a valid City business license.  They must provide the Licensing Division with their Federal Employer I.D. # and or their Social Security Number.

Building & Planning Approval

All work to be done must be approved by the Planning and Building Divisions.  The Planning Division when necessary will do an on-site inspection.  Upon approval by both divisions, the Building Division may issue the following permits: Building, electrical, plumbing, sewer and heating and air.  Inspections are made by the Building Inspector who will finalize the permits when the construction job is completed.

If you are interested in the any of these programs, contact the Housing Division or come by City Hall West, 2nd Floor. By phone, we are able to pre-determine your eligibility and place you on our waiting list. Be prepared to give us the following information: 

Household total annual income
The number of people in your household
Adult children who live with you and who may or may not be attending school
Advise us of extended family who may live in your home
Income information is also required of all household members
   Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I apply for a rehab loan or a grant and get the cash to spend anyway I want to use it?
  No, the rehab loan and grant money can only be used for construction purposes and is paid in a warrant made out to the contractor and the client to pay for the labor and materials.
Do I have to live in El Monte to buy a home through the First-Time Homebuyer Program?
  No, you do not have to reside in El Monte but you must meet other requirements.  For more information call our office.
Do I have to pay back the City when I get on the Grant Program?
  No, it's a one time gift from the government. The Grant money is not the same as a loan.
Can I use the Rehab Loan and/or Grant monies to pay for monthly mortgage, property taxes, or hazard insurance?
  No, a warrant is issued to the contractor and client to pay for the cost of construction, labor and materials.
Can I use the Rehab Loan and Grant monies to pay for my rental unit?
  No, you must reside in the unit that is to be rehabilitated.
How are payments handled and who signs the contract agreement when I get on the Grant Program?
  Upon completion of item(s) to be repaired or replaced, we will process the needed payment.  The owners sign the contract stipulating payment will be paid by the City.
Would there be a lien placed on my home when I get a Grant?
  No, there is no lien because the Grant is a gift of money.
How does the contractor get paid for doing the construction when I get a Rehabilitation and/or Emergency Loan?
  The contractor submits a Progress Payment Request that has been revised, approved and signed by the contractor, homeowner and the inspector.   This request is next submitted to our Housing Technician who will then request a warrant that is made out in both the homeowner’s name and the contractor's name only for the work specified.  This warrant will then be picked up from our office, generally by the contractor.
Can homeowners do their own construction work?
  No, all work must be done by a State licensed contractor.
Do I get to choose my own contractor?
  Yes, you may choose your own contractor as long as he is licensed by the State.  Upon request, the City has a list of approved contractors that the homeowner may request.
   
 
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