The Livingston County Land Bank Corporation and Livingston County announced on March 27 the launch of the Vacant Rental Program, a grant initiative funded by New York State that will provide up to $2.5 million for rehabilitating vacant rental properties across the county.
The new program aims to address local housing needs by turning unused properties into affordable homes, making more rental units available for residents in Livingston County.
Eligible landlords can apply for grants to help cover the cost of bringing vacant units up to code and back into service. Megan Crowe, executive director of the Livingston County Land Bank Corporation, said, “This program is a tremendous opportunity for property owners who want to restore vacant units and add additional housing units in our communities.” Crowe encouraged eligible owners throughout the county to apply.
The Livingston County Land Bank was one of eleven organizations selected statewide for this round of funding from New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s Vacant Rental Program. Since its inception, this state initiative has provided over $56 million to renovate more than 830 vacant or distressed units across New York.
RuthAnne Visnauskas, commissioner of New York State Homes and Community Renewal, said, “The New York Vacant Rental Program is one of many tools being used under Governor Kathy Hochul’s leadership to tackle the housing crisis and increase the stock of affordable housing. Thank you to Livingston County Land Bank Corporation for being our vital partner and taking advantage of up to $2.5 million in awards that will help property owners earn money and get their units back into code compliance, while providing essential safe, stable housing for residents in their own communities.”
Applications are reviewed monthly with no set deadline; funds are awarded on a rolling basis. Property owners whose applications are accepted will work with the land bank through each step—from assessment through project completion—using pre-qualified local contractors managed by LCLBC.
Contractors interested in joining as pre-qualified providers can contact LCLBC or visit its website for details about participating in rehabilitation projects as part of this ongoing effort. The land bank also plans free public informational sessions required before applying; these begin April 9 at Murray Hill Campus in Mount Morris with additional sessions scheduled twice monthly thereafter.
