Vacant Rental Program (VRP)

Application deadline: March 24th, 2025

The Vacant Rental Program (VRP) is a grant program funded by the State of New York and administered by the Housing Trust Fund Corporation’s (HTFC) Office of Community Renewal (OCR). VRP is designed to support repairs and rehabilitation of vacant rental units and other vacant spaces to increase the supply of critically needed affordable apartments across Essex, Warren, and Washington Counties. The program aims to help owners of rental properties bring vacant units and spaces in small-scale properties back into productive use to create safe, quality, and affordable long-term rental units.

Download the VRP brochure for more information
Download VRP required document checklist
Download Application in PDF Format

Applicant Requirements

  • Applicant must own the building.
  • Properties must have five or fewer units (before or after completion).
  • Must not be in foreclosure or bankruptcy.
  • Vacant units must be uninhabitable or unmarketable.
  • Property owners must be “Responsible Owners” (e.g., current on taxes, mortgage, and utilities).
  • Projects must result in a complete unit that is ready for occupancy.

Benefits

  • For Property Owners: Financial assistance for the renovation of vacant units.
  • For Communities: More affordable rental options for local residents, contributing to community revitalization.
  • For Renters: Increased availability of quality rental units at affordable rates.

Application deadline: March 24th, 2025

Equal Housing Opportunity

Essex County Land Bank is committed to the principle of equal housing opportunity. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, or any other protected class. All applicants will be treated fairly and consistently.

Fair Housing Disclaimer

Essex County Land Bank abides by the Fair Housing Act and all applicable federal, state, and local fair housing laws. We are dedicated to ensuring that all individuals have equal access to housing opportunities. Discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, disability, or any other protected characteristic is prohibited.

Fill in & Submit Application

You can also download this form in PDF format, fill it in and bring it to us.

Click here to download PDF
Vacant Rental Program (VRP)

Applicant Info

 

Owner Permanent Residence Address

 

Property Info

 

Grant Request

Type of Grant Award Available
  • Standard Up to $50,000 per eligible unit - units affordable to 80% AMI level
  • Enhanced Up to $75,000 per eligible unit - units affordable to 60% AMI level
AMI:
  • 4 family 80% AMI Essex: $69,050, Warren/Washington: $73,900
  • 4 family 60% AMI Essex: $51,780, Warren/Washington: $55,440

 

Work Scope

 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (agree with each)

My eligibility for the program includes verification by NRDC that I am a “Responsible Owner” (See attached Responsible Landlord Checklist)
I, or an immediate family member, may not serve as the contractor for the rehabilitation work
I have not, and will not, displace a tenant for the purposes of making a unit eligible for grant assistance
NRDC will conduct a property site inspection to verify eligibility for grant assistance
If my property is constructed prior to 1978, the grant program requires a Lead Risk Assessment to be conducted in any unit receiving assistance (and any tenant means of egress) and that the rehabilitation scope of work is required to address any identified lead hazards
Units that receive VRP grant assistance are subject to affordability requirements for 10 years, including selecting income-qualified tenants and a limit to the monthly rent charged to tenants. NRDC will be in charge or income qualifying tenants
If selected for a VRP award, I will be required to execute an agreement with LPA and file a Declaration of Interest on the Property with the County Clerk
I agree to take Fair Housing training and sign an annual Fair Housing Attestation

 

Responsible Landlord Checklist

Applicants must answer Yes or No to the following questions to confirm they are a responsible landlord. A "Yes" answer to all questions will confirm responsible landlord status

Property Ownership: Do you own the property for which you are applying for rehabilitation?
Code Compliance: Are you actively addressing any existing code violations or loss of occupancy certification with plans for compliance?
Fair Housing Compliance: Have you agreed to undergo Fair Housing training and sign an annual Fair Housing attestation?
Maintenance and Management: Do you maintain your properties to ensure they meet safety, cleanliness, and habitability standards?
Tenant Relations: Are you responsive to tenant needs and concerns, addressing maintenance and resolving issues in a timely manner?
Legal Compliance: Have you had any history of fair housing complaints, criminal judgments, or civil judgments related to your properties or tenants in the last 10 years?
Do you commit to living in Essex County year-round?
Are you or any household members currently employed in Essex County?
Are you applying as a family?

 

 

All information provided will be kept confidential. All applications received will become the property of North Country Rural Development Coalition (NRDC). I (We) hereby apply for assistance from NRDC. I (We)certify that the above statements are true, accurate, and complete to the best of my (our) knowledge and belief. False statements made knowingly by the applicant will disqualify the applicant from participating in the program. I (We) hereby consent to and authorize NRDC to obtain verification of information required for compliance with the regulations of the VRP program.

You must agree with the above statement