Do you own a vacant property? Is it in rough shape? We could be able to help!
Otsego Rural Housing Assistance, Inc. (ORHA) is applying for a grant that would fund repair/rehabilitation of vacant properties for use as rental housing. Owners could be eligible for up to $50,000 or $75,000 in help per unit.
ORHA is asking interested property owners to submit their information now—to get on our waiting list early and to help us show the state that our county needs this program!
What projects would be eligible for assistance?
- Residential or mixed-use building, or any building that will be converted to a mixed-use or residential building by the project, in Otsego County
- Unfortunately, manufactured or mobile homes are NOT eligible
- Maximum of 5 residential units in the property
- Unit is vacant because it is in unmarketable or uninhabitable condition
- Current on mortgage, property taxes, & utility payments
- Responsible property owner
- Priority will be given to local property owners
- Priority will be given to property owners with 20 or fewer residential units
In return for the help, for 10 years, participant owners must:
- Rent only to tenants below 80% area median income ($72,950 for a family of 4 in 2025)
- Owners who choose to receive an Enhanced Award of up to $75,000 must rent to tenants below 60% AMI ($54,720 for a family of 4 in 2025)
- Income calculations would be performed by ORHA and are only required when a tenant FIRST moves into a unit. Tenants whose incomes increase would be able to continue living in the unit.
- ORHA and our partners are prepared to help you market your units to eligible households, including by sharing information about available units with our clients.
- Charge rent according to program maximum
- Maximums are calculated depending on unit size and utilities. As an example, a 3-bedroom unit with all utilities included with the rent would have a limit of $1,897 (for a $50,000 award) or $1,422 (for a $75,000 award) in 2025.
- ORHA would provide property owners with the maximum allowable rent each year.
- Offer 12-month leases for the assisted units. No assisted unit can be used for short-term rentals.
- Comply with all Fair Housing laws in tenant selection.
- Maintain the unit in good condition. ORHA would periodically confirm compliance.
Get on the interest list now!
Submit your information at bit.ly/OtsegoVRP. Responding by September 8, 2025, helps us submit a strong application to New York State!
Contact us at (607) 286-7244 or orha@otsegoruralhousing.org with any questions.
For more information about VRP, you can visit the state’s website at hcr.ny.gov/vrp.
Help ORHA out – spread the word!
You can help spread the word by sharing our Facebook Post or by distributing the below flyer.