A state-backed effort to bring empty housing units back online in Livingston County is still taking applications, with millions in funding available to property owners willing to rehabilitate vacant rentals.
The Livingston County Land Bank Corporation said it is continuing to accept applications for the Vacant Rental Program, a New York State Homes and Community Renewal initiative that provides up to $2.5 million locally to restore unused housing units and return them to the rental market.
Under the program, eligible landlords can receive up to $50,000 per unit if rents are capped at or below 80% of area median income, or up to $75,000 per unit for units capped at or below 60% of AMI. The funding is intended to cover rehabilitation costs needed to bring vacant units up to code and make them rentable again.
Eligible properties include one- to five-unit buildings, single-family rental homes, and underutilized residential or commercial spaces that can be converted into housing. All properties must be located within Livingston County.
Land Bank Executive Director Megan Crowe said the program offers property owners a chance to both improve their assets and address local housing needs.
“This program is a tremendous opportunity for property owners who want to restore vacant units and add additional housing units in our communities,” Crowe said. “We encourage eligible owners throughout Livingston County to apply and take advantage of this state investment in our local housing stock.”
The Livingston County Land Bank was one of 11 organizations statewide selected to receive funding in the latest round of the program. Officials said the Vacant Rental Program has distributed more than $56 million across New York, supporting the rehabilitation of more than 830 housing units.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with no set deadline. However, property owners must attend a required informational session before applying. Upcoming sessions are scheduled for May 7 and May 13 at 6 p.m. at the Livingston County Government Center in Geneseo.
The land bank is also seeking contractors to participate in the program, with prequalified firms eligible to bid on upcoming rehabilitation projects as funding is deployed.
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