Detroit Home Repair Help 2026–27: Where to Turn Now That Renew Detroit Has Closed
Updated: 9 hours ago
Renew Detroit closed on September 30, 2026. If your furnace quits, your water heater fails, or a child is at risk from lead paint, here is the help that's still available and how to apply.
AT A GLANCE
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For several years, Detroit homeowners who were older or had a disability looked to Renew Detroit for a new roof or windows. That program has now ended. The City of Detroit says the Renew Detroit Essential Home Repair Program closed effective September 30, 2026. If your furnace quits, your water heater fails, or a child in your home is at risk from lead paint, you need to know what is still available.
This guide covers what happened to Renew Detroit, then walks through two programs with official pages that describe current help: Michigan's State Emergency Relief (SER) home repair assistance, and the City's Detroit LeadSafe Housing program. For each one, it covers who qualifies, how to apply, what to prepare, and what to do if you are turned down.
First, the Status of Renew Detroit
The City's Renew Detroit page states that the program closed effective September 30, 2026. It was paid for with federal American Rescue Plan Act money. The City Council first set aside $30 million, and the program grew to $45 million in July 2022 with $15 million from the State of Michigan, giving it capacity to repair up to 2,000 homes. Phase 1 replaced roofs. Phase 2 offered a roof or window replacement, whichever was judged more critical.
What this means for you:
No new applications. The program is closed.
If you were already a participant and have a question about your repair, the City says to email RenewDetroit@detroitmi.gov, an inbox it says is still monitored, with responses expected within two business days. The page also lists 313-224-3880.
For other home repair resources, the City points residents to the Detroit Housing Resource Helpline at 866-313-2520.
Option 1: State Emergency Relief Home Repairs (MDHHS)
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) runs State Emergency Relief. Its home repair page says SER helps with repairs that correct unsafe conditions and restore essential services. Examples it gives include repairing or replacing a furnace that doesn't work, a water heater, or a septic system.
What SER will and won't pay for
MDHHS says payments are made only if the repair is essential to remove a direct threat to health or safety, or is required by law or a mobile home park regulation. The repair must bring the home back to a safe, livable condition. SER does not pay for improvements or nonessential repairs.
SER pays only when the repair removes a direct threat to health or safety and brings the home back to a safe, livable condition.
SER sets lifetime caps per family group:
Repair type | Lifetime maximum per family group | What counts toward it |
|---|---|---|
Energy-related (furnace repair or replacement) | $4,000 | All energy-related repairs approved since 1/1/1978 |
Non-energy-related (water heaters, septic systems, and other repairs) | $1,500 | All non-energy-related repairs approved since 12/1/1991 |
Because these are lifetime limits, ask MDHHS whether your household has used SER repair money before. Help you received years ago may lower what is left.
Who qualifies for SER home repairs
MDHHS lists these conditions:
You own or are buying the home, or hold a life estate in it with responsibility for repairs.
The home is your permanent, usual residence.
The home is not listed for sale.
The home is not in jeopardy of loss.
You have no house payment or property tax arrearage, unless there is a workable plan to pay it off. Otherwise the repair will be denied.
The ongoing cost of keeping the home is affordable. MDHHS says total housing costs cannot be more than 75 percent of the group's net income.
SER income limits
MDHHS's eligibility page says SER eligibility generally depends on household size, monthly income, and countable cash assets over $15,000. Some assets are not counted, including your homestead, one vehicle, and personal and household goods. For energy-related help such as a furnace, these are the monthly income limits:
Household size | Maximum monthly income (energy-related) |
|---|---|
1 | $1,995 |
2 | $2,705 |
3 | $3,415 |
4 | $4,125 |
5 | $4,835 |
6 | $5,545 |
7 | $6,255 |
8 | $6,965 |
Each additional person | Add $710 |
MDHHS says that if your income is above these limits, you do not qualify for energy-related assistance. For non-energy-related help, such as a water heater, the limits are much lower, starting at $445 a month for one person. MDHHS says income above that limit becomes a copayment you are responsible for, rather than an automatic denial. Check the full non-energy table on the MDHHS eligibility page.
How to apply for SER
MDHHS says to check eligibility and apply online through MI Bridges. Have these ready:
Proof that you own the home (or are buying it or hold a life estate)
Proof of income for everyone in the household
Your mortgage and property tax status, plus any payment plan if you are behind
A description of what is broken, and any contractor estimate or utility notice you have
Information on your total monthly housing costs
If SER denies your repair
MDHHS's pages point to a few common reasons for denial, and you can often fix them:
Tax or mortgage arrears. The rule allows a repair when a workable plan exists to pay the arrearage. Set up a plan with your lender or the tax office, then ask MDHHS about reapplying.
The repair isn't essential. If MDHHS sees the work as an improvement, explain in writing how the problem threatens health or safety, for example no heat or no hot water. Attach any inspection or utility notice.
Lifetime cap reached. Ask which cap applies. The furnace and non-furnace caps are separate.
Unaffordable housing costs. If housing costs are over 75 percent of net income, ask whether any costs were counted incorrectly.
Read the written decision MDHHS sends you carefully, and ask your caseworker about your options for disputing it.
Option 2: Detroit LeadSafe Housing (City of Detroit)
Detroit's Human, Homeless & Family Services department (HHFS) runs Detroit LeadSafe Housing. The City says it is free and reduces lead-based paint hazards in homes built before 1978 where children under 6 live or visit, or where a pregnant woman lives. A child counts if they live or visit at least 10 hours a week.
Who qualifies
The City says applicants must meet all of these:
The home is in one of these Detroit ZIP codes: 48202, 48203, 48204, 48206, 48208, 48209, 48210, 48211, 48212, 48213, 48214, 48215, 48217, 48227, 48234, or 48238. Outside these ZIP codes, the City refers residents to the state program at Michigan.gov/mileadsafe.
A child under 6 and/or a pregnant woman is in the home.
You have clear proof of ownership. Both owner-occupants and landlords are eligible.
The family is low-income and/or has a child enrolled in Medicaid.
What the program includes
A free lead inspection to confirm lead-based paint hazards
Repairs to address those hazards for homes that test positive and qualify
Possibly, non-lead emergency repairs. The City says these could include a new roof, furnace, water heater, or porch, depending on need and funding.
How to take part
Detroit LeadSafe works through enrollment periods. Fill out the City's contact form to be notified of the next one, or reach the office directly:
Phone: 313-224-6380
Email: hhfsHomeRepair@detroitmi.gov
Status checks for a pre-application: the City's Neighborly portal
If a child in the home has an elevated blood lead level, the City offers a separate priority form, linked from the LeadSafe page. The City notes that a contact form does not guarantee eligibility, participation, or funding, and that the home's condition and repair costs are factors.
If you are not accepted
Ask HHFS which requirement was the problem. If your ZIP code is not on the list, use the state program at Michigan.gov/mileadsafe. If funding or the home's condition was the issue, ask to be told about the next enrollment period, and call the Housing Resource Helpline for other options.
Which Program Fits Your Problem
Your situation | Where to start |
|---|---|
Furnace out, low income, you own the home | MDHHS State Emergency Relief through MI Bridges |
Water heater or septic failure | SER non-energy repair (lower limits, possible copay) |
Pre-1978 home with a child under 6 or a pregnant resident | Detroit LeadSafe Housing (city ZIP codes) or MiLeadSafe |
You had a Renew Detroit repair and have questions | RenewDetroit@detroitmi.gov |
Not sure what you qualify for | Detroit Housing Resource Helpline, 866-313-2520 |
Before you call
☐ Deed, land contract, or other proof of ownership
☐ Recent pay stubs or benefit letters for every household member
☐ Latest property tax bill and mortgage statement, plus any payment plan
☐ Photos of the damage and any notices from utilities or inspectors
☐ A list of everyone who lives in or regularly visits the home, with children's ages
WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK
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More help in Detroit
See our Detroit financial help guides for utility, water, rent, and benefits help in one place.
Related guides
Official sources
Programs, limits, and enrollment periods change. Before you apply, confirm current details with MDHHS or the City of Detroit.
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