Foreclosure Prevention and Redevelopment Opportunities
Preventing abandonment and blight is a key component of Louisville Metro’s vacant and abandoned property strategy. To support its aim of keeping as many Louisvillians in their home as possible, Louisville Metro Government offers foreclosure prevention, emergency home repair, weatherization and lead remediation services.
Foreclosure Prevention - If you are in danger of losing a home to foreclosure, help is available. Louisville Metro Government has partnered with the Kentucky Homeownership Protection Center, which runs a government-authorized foreclosure prevention hotline – Protect my Kentucky Home (1-866-830-7868). The staff at the Kentucky Homeownership Protection Center can assist you with your case, connect you with a free housing counselor or, in certain instances, refer you to legal services available to eligible low-income homeowners. Special assistance is also available for those who have recently experienced a job loss or reduction in income.
Property Tax Help – It is of critical importance to pay your property taxes by December 31 of each year. Failure to do so may result in a third-party lien on your property, as well as the accumulation of additional fees and interest. If you are having trouble paying your property taxes, you may apply for a payment plan with the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office. You may also be eligible for the Homestead and/or Disability Exemption, which will reduce your property tax liability.
LHOME Property Tax Assistance Loan – If you need help paying your annual property tax bill just arrived, nonprofit LHOME can lend up to $5,000 at a fixed rate ranging from 3% tp 5% to pay your property tax. Avoid fees, penalties, tax liens, or losing your home.
Assessment Moratorium Program – The Assessment Moratorium Program provides an incentive for making improvements to qualifying residential and commercial properties by providing a 5-year moratorium on some of the local tax assessment increases that would result from the improvements.
Affordable Housing Development Program – Find information on available funding and guidelines for Louisville Metro’s rental, homeownership, and lease-purchase production programs. Each year, Louisville Metro Government receives funding allocations from the HOME Investment Partnership (HOME), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), and other programs from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Department of Housing and Community Development manages most of these allocations to expand the supply of affordable housing and support neighborhood revitalization.
Lead-Safe Louisville Project – Was your home built before 1978? If so, you and your family may be exposed to lead-based paint. Dust from lead-based paint is especially hazardous to children and places them at risk of developmental, attention and learning disorders. The Lead-Safe Louisville Project provides a free inspection and risk assessment for qualified property owners. If lead hazards are found on the property, the LSL Project can provide funds for remediation. In addition, each child under 6 years of age living in the home or visiting the home over 6 hours a week can receive a free blood lead screening test.
Weatherization Assistance Program – The Weatherization Program provides grants to low-income residents to help make their homes more energy-efficient and lower utility bills. Please note that there is currently a waiting list to receive this assistance. LG&E also offers home energy rebates that can offset the cost of purchasing certain ENERGY STAR qualified appliances, high-efficiency HVAC systems and qualified window film. For more energy saving tips, you can also visit LG&E’s Energy Efficiency website.
Home Repair Programs – The Office of Housing and Community Development provides assistance to low-income homeowners who need to make critical repairs on their home.
Historic Property Revolving Loan Fund – This loan fund through nonprofit Vital Sites assists owners of historic properties or properties that are eligible to become historic in completing eligible repairs to stabilize and revitalize those structures. The maximum loan is $75,000, and the fund will prioritize properties in underrepresented neighborhoods, including those in west Louisville
