Vacant Rental Improvement Program

The Vacant Rental Improvement Program (VRIP)

The Vacant Rental Improvement Program (VRIP) is intended to put vacant residential units back in service. It can also be used to convert vacant commercial space to residential space. It provides grant funding up to $50,000 if the completed unit will serve tenants under 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) and up to $75,000 if the unit will be rented to tenants under 60% AMI.

How to Apply:

Start with the VRIP Initial Intake Form. Complete online, or fill out a hard copy and mail or drop off at our office 780 Fillmore Avenue.

For more information, call Brandi Barrett, VRIP Program Manager, bbarrett@780fillmore.org, 716-852-3130 ext. 3.

APPLY NOW ONLINE DOWNLOAD APPLICATION PDF

Key Program Requirements:

Unit must currently be uninhabitable (no displacement of current tenants is permitted).
Grant funding is on a reimbursable basis, and must produce a unit that can be occupied.
There is no income requirement for the applicant, but they must own the building, and all taxes must be current.
There is no requirement that the owner live in the building, but there is priority for local owners, especially owners who live on the east side of Buffalo.
The owner must agree to rent the unit at the affordable rent (60% or 80% AMI) for ten years. A lien will be filed with the county clerk and Broadway Fillmore NHS will monitor compliance.
A maximum of 5 units may be funded and the building must also be 5 units or less.
Broadway Fillmore NHS will provide the maximum rents that can be charged at the time of closing with the property owner.