Housing Repair Assistance Program

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible one must:

1. Live within the Renton City limits.
2. Own the home for at least the last 12 months and not plan to move from that residence in the following 12 months.
3. Have a total household adjusted gross income that is less than the Maximum Annual Income Limits (based on HUD income limits for Washington State, King County).
4. Must be listed on the title to be eligible for this program.

View maximum annual income limits

Maximum Income

Services that are provided

Services are provided at no cost to the client and are based on the program coordinator’s determination of need and available resources. Maximum expenditures per client per calendar year are $6,000 with a maximum expenditure of $10,000 over 10 years.

Health and safety services are done on the primary structure of the house only (no carports, free-standing garages, or fences).

• Assessment: For new clients, the first service will be an inspection of the property and assessment of needs.
• Safety: Install smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and security lights. Repair and/or replace steps and stairs.
• Plumbing: Repair and/or replace water heaters, leaking faucets, valves, toilets, sinks, drains, and pipes.
• Electrical: Repair and/or replace non-working lights, switches, outlets, circuits, and exhaust fans.
• Weatherproofing: Clean, repair and/or replace gutters and downspouts.
• Heating: Repair and/or replace faulty furnace fans, thermostats and faulty primary heating equipment that is the sole source of heat.
• Adaptations for Disabilities: Install, repair and/or replace exterior ramps, handrails, grab bars, handheld shower heads, tub/shower seats, elevated toilet seats, tub edge saddle grab bars, and level door knobs and faucet handles.
• Roofing: Application of treatment to kill and/or inhibit moss growth. Repair minor roof leaks. Repair and/or replace roof flashing.

Services that are not provided

• Appliance repair, replacement, or recycling
• Damages that are  covered by homeowner's insurance
• Doors- interior, screen, and/or storm
• Fans- freestanding, or ceiling units used for air circulation
• Freestanding structures like sheds, carports, and garages
• Furnaces cleaning air ducts
• Carport gutters
• Lead-based paint- no repairs when more than one square foot of paint will be disturbed in homes built before 1978
• Fences
• Painting
• Retaining walls
• Swimming pools
• Tree removal
• Whole window or window screen replacement
• Yard work

Applicants are encouraged to call the Housing Repair Assistance Program office at 425-430-6650 to request a paper application by mail.

Call HRAP: 425-430-6650

A fillable PDF application is also available to download and complete. 

Download fillable PDF HRAP application

Mail your completed application to:

City of Renton
Human Services HRAP
1055 S. Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057

Once a completed application is received, a housing repair coordinator will review it to determine eligibility. All applicants will receive a letter by mail notifying them of their eligibility status. Applicants who qualify will then be contacted to schedule an initial assessment.

Applicants who choose to apply by email must download, complete, and submit the required fillable PDF application form.

Download fillable PDF HRAP application(PDF, 2MB)

Email your completed application to HumanServices@rentonwa.gov.

Email HRAP at HumanServices@rentonwa.gov

Once a completed application is received, a housing repair coordinator will review it to determine eligibility. All applicants will receive a letter by mail notifying them of their eligibility status. Applicants who qualify will then be contacted to schedule an initial assessment.

Use this option to submit your application directly online. This is the fastest and easiest way to apply.

Complete online application (for PC and iPhone)

Before starting the application process

• Gather signed 1040 tax returns first. They are the primary verification documents.
• If filing jointly or multiple occupants live in the home, collect all relevant income documentation.
• If you own a manufactured home, locate the WA State Vehicle Certificate of Ownership before you begin.
• Scan or save clear digital copies before attaching or uploading. This helps avoid delays

Once a completed application is received, a housing repair coordinator will review it to determine eligibility. All applicants will receive a letter by mail notifying them of their eligibility status. Applicants who qualify will then be contacted to schedule an initial assessment.

To participate in City of Renton's Housing Repair Assistance Program, businesses are required to provide valid business credentials. This ensures that all vendors, contractors, and service providers are properly registered and compliant with the necessary local, state, and federal regulations. These credentials are essential for verifying the legitimacy of the business, fostering transparency and trust in the process.

Washington State Business License information:

View Business Licensing and UBI renewals FAQs

City of Renton Business License:

View Renton Business License information

Businesses participating in the HRAP must submit the appropriate legal tax documentation as part of their application. This ensures compliance with all tax laws and regulations, guaranteeing that business are meeting their legal obligations. Proper tax documentation helps to maintain transparency and ensures the integrity of the program, which is critical for foster fair and lawful partnerships with vendors and service providers.

IRS W-9 Form is required with vendor application:

Download W-9 Form 2024

Proof of insurance:

View Certificate of Insurance guidelines(PDF, 241KB)

Contractors who wish to bid on City of Renton Housing Repair Assistance Program (HRAP) projects are required to register with the Municipal Research and Services (MRSC) to bid on small works residential projects under $6,000. Projects may include roofing, electrical, furnace repair and replacement, sewer work, and general contracting.

The MRSC has a Rosters online database that is used by local government agencies across Washington State to identify qualified vendors, contractors, and service providers. By joining the MRSC Rosters, businesses ensure they are accessible for various contracting opportunities and align with the standards required for participation in government projects. Registration in this roster is an essential step for any business looking to work with local municipalities and provides a streamlined process for enrollment and future bidding opportunities.

MRSC Rosters accounts are free to register. When creating your account, be sure to select the City of Renton as one of the public agencies you wish to work with. If you have any questions about the registration process, please contact the MRSC roster team at 206-625.1300, extension 14.

Visit MRSC Rosters

Call MRSC Rosters: 206-625-1300 

Project assignment and bid invitations

The City of Renton Home Repair Assistance Program (HRAP) uses the MRSC Small Works Roster to invite qualified contractors to bid on individual projects with an estimated value of $6,000 or less. Projects are assigned based on program needs, contractor availability, and scope of work.

Bid submission and evaluation

When a project becomes available, eligible contractors on the roster will be invited to submit a bid. Bid invitations are typically sent by email and include a description of the work, site information, and a deadline for response. Contractors are expected to review the project details and submit their bids within the specified timeframe. Failure to respond to multiple bid invitations may impact future bidding opportunities.

Bids are evaluated based on lowest reasonable cost and the contractor's ability to perform the work responsibly, including demonstrated experience, compliance history, and past performance. The city reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to select the contractor that best meets program requirements.

Contract award and onboarding requirements

Once a contractor is selected, they must complete all required onboarding steps prior to beginning work. This may include executing a contract or work order, providing proof of insurance, licenses, and bonding, and attending any required orientations or trainings. Contractors must agree to comply with all City of Renton policies, safety standards, program guidelines, and bidding procedures.

Performance standards and program compliance

The City of Renton retains the right to suspend or remove a contractor from the program or roster at any time based on performance, failure to comply with program requirements, or concerns regarding responsibility or workmanship.