Residential Assistance Program
Updated December 23, 2009
JUMP TO:
Introduction | G-RAP (Grants) | L-RAP (Loans) | Common Questions | Contact Information
Introduction
Residents of the City of Cerritos have come to expect high aesthetic quality in their community. Keeping our neighborhoods beautiful requires continuous maintenance by the City and individual Cerritos residents.
The City would like to contribute to residents' beautification efforts by awarding residential rehabilitation grants and loans. Both residential assistance programs are geared toward preventative maintenance necessary to avoid widespread housing deterioration.
Residential Assistance Program—grants (G-RAP)
RAP grants (G-RAP) are available to Cerritos homeowners who are either disabled or sixty-two (62) years of age or older. The applicant must be a homeowner who has received a violation from a City Code Enforcement Officer and has a household income classified as Very Low, Low, or Moderate, based on State income limits.
Rehabilitation efforts will focus on improving the exterior aesthetics of the property. The aesthetic issues addressed by G-RAP:
- Must be visible from the street; and
- Must constitute a violation of the Cerritos Property Maintenance Code.
This program provides a $3,000 grant for the revitalization of properties in need of exterior improvements such as:
- Roof repair
- New lawn or landscaping for the front yard
- Fence or block wall repair or replacement
- Driveway repair
- Front window/screen replacement
- Exterior painting
- Other exterior home or landscaping improvements, as determined by City staff
If you would like to apply for the G-RAP program, please download the G-RAP Application.
Residential Assistance Program—loans (L-RAP)
RAP loans (L-RAP) with a maximum level of assistance of $20,000 and a 3% simple interest are available to homeowners in need of exterior and interior improvements. Payments of the loans are deferred for fifteen (15) years or are payable when the property is sold, if title is transferred, or if the property is refinanced.
In addition, property owners must also have a household income classified as Very Low, Low, or Moderate, based on State income limits. Improvements include all eligible RAP grant improvements as well as the following:
- Kitchen and bathroom rehabilitation
- Interior and exterior painting
- Repair or replacement of heating/cooling, electrical, and plumbing systems
- New roof
- Termite infestation
- Lead based paint and asbestos removal
During the application procedure, the City will determine if there is a sufficient amount of equity in the property to cover the loan amount given. If approved, the City will place a second mortgage on the property as means for payback of the loan.
If you would like to apply for the L-RAP program, please download the L-RAP Application.
Common questions
Q: I have read the program description and believe that I am eligible. How can I apply?
A: Contact the Advance Planning/Redevelopment Division in the Community Development Department at (562) 916-1366. Staff will provide you with an application and can answer questions related to grant and loan requirements.
Q: How soon can I receive assistance?
A: Participation in the program is on a "first come, first serve" basis. Because there is a high volume of requests for assistance, applications shall be submitted upon completion as soon as possible.
Q: How much money can I receive?
A: The maximum level of assistance for the grant program (G-RAP) is $3,000. The maximum level of assistance for the loan program (L-RAP) is $20,000.
Q: Are there any property requirements?
A: Your property must be a single-family home, owner-occupied, and located within the corporate limits of the City of Cerritos. The property for which assistance is requested must be residentially zoned and used for residential purposes.
Q: How often can I participate in the program? If I receive a grant or loan this year, can I get one next year?
A: Participation in the grant program (G-RAP) is limited to no more than once every five (5) years. If an applicant receives a residential assistance loan (L-RAP), he/she may apply for another loan as soon as the previous loan has been paid in full.
Q: I am interested in the loan program but my property already has a second mortgage. Will the City take a third lien out on my property and can I still qualify?
A: Unfortunately the City will not take a third position on any property. Even if the applicant meets all of the program qualifications, it is the City's policy to only take a second mortgage on the property.
Q: I think my home qualifies for the RAP grant, but I have not received a Code Enforcement violation. Can I still apply?
A: Yes. The applicant must permit inspections of the property by Advance Planning/Redevelopment Division staff upon applying for assistance and again once work has been completed. Applicants must comply with all Municipal Code regulations.
Q: If I am considering repainting the interior or exterior of my home, does the City test for lead based paint or asbestos?
A: If an applicant is applying for the loan program and is considering interior or exterior painting, the City will test for lead based paint and/or asbestos. If lead based paint or asbestos is found, the City will provide a lead based paint remediation grant in conjunction with the loan amount approved.
Q: If I need to make improvements to my property and I know someone who can do it, can I use RAP to pay this person?
A: Possibly. The City must approve the selected contractor before work can proceed. Any G-RAP or L-RAP funded rehabilitation work must be completed by a professional, licensed contractor.
Program brochure
For additional information on the City of Cerritos Residential Assistance Program, download the brochure above.
Contact information
City of Cerritos
Community Development Department
Advance Planning/Redevelopment Division
18125 Bloomfield Avenue
Cerritos, CA 90703
Phone: (562) 916-1366
Fax: (562) 916-1371
