The Affordable Rental Upgrade Program (ARUP) will provide financial assistance to upgrade rental apartments serving low to moderate-income renters. The program will provide small landlords (owning eight or fewer units) with grants for needed repairs to rental units. Repairs under the program will address code violations, health and safety issues, energy efficiency and building electrification upgrades, and accessibility upgrades. In exchange for grant funds, landlords will agree to keep rents at affordable levels for a period of five (5) to seven (7) years based on the amount of funding awarded.

To apply to receive funding, visit https://rupco.org/arup/

• Property owners may apply through RUPCO website (link provided below) to receive funding.
• Eligible property owners can receive grants for eligible repairs with grant amounts based on the level of affordability [percent of area median income (AMI) of tenants] of the units currently or would be in the future after the grant is received. The following grant levels are available for apartments serving:
  1. Renters earning 80% to 61% of AMI: $15,000 per rental unit and no more than $30,000 per building.
  2. Renters earning 60% of AMI or below: Grants up to $25,000 per unit and no more than $50,000 per building for those buildings that earn at the 60% AMI rent level.
• Landlord applicants must demonstrate that current rent levels are affordable (i.e., 30% of a tenant’s monthly income) to tenants. If rents are above that level, landlords are eligible for funding if they are willing to reduce rents to an affordable rate.

The focus of this program is to create rental properties that Ulster County residents can afford while providing funding to small landlords for certain upgrades and repairs. Eligible project expenses will be prioritized in the following order:

1. Health and Safety Upgrades: Environmental mitigation for lead, asbestos, mold or radon when feasible in unoccupied spaces structural repairs, flooring replacement for non-cosmetic reasons, repair or replacement of decks, steps, railings, porches
2. Accessibility Upgrades: Upgrades to make apartments accessible to residents with disabilities.
3. Energy Efficiency Upgrades: Energy efficiency weatherization upgrades, heating system replacement hot water systems window and door replacement
4. General Upgrades: Repair or replacement of plumbing fixtures, repair of utility supply lines, drains, vents, and electrical fixtures, chimney repair, general carpentry repairs, roof replacement, electrical service upgrades, or repairs gutter system upgrades and replacements

This is not an exhaustive list of all eligible upgrades. Applications for repairs will be assessed and prioritized individually using the general prioritizations used above.

What is the focus of this grant program?

This grant is focused on supporting landlords to complete upgrades to rental units serving households who rent and earn less than 80% of the Ulster County Area Median Income. The grant program will prioritize more serious health and safety upgrades that may be impacting tenants health as well as focusing on accessibility and energy-efficiency upgrades.

How do I apply to receive an ARUP grant?

Ulster County is partnering with RUPCO to help administer the program. To apply to receive grant funding, visit the RUPCO website here. Please direct all questions about applying to the program to Sandy Altomare at saltomare@rupco.org or 845-331-9860 x303

What are the criteria to apply for the grant?

ARUP is focused on assisting small local landlords. Applicants must own eight or fewer units to apply for the program. Applicants will be required to demonstrate ownership of eight or fewer units.

How will you ensure the repairs are completed and the rental units staff affordable?

Ulster County and RUPCO will work with grantees to complete the upgrades in a timely manner with minimal disturbance to tenants. RUPCO will monitor rental leases for affordability for all grantees throughout the affordability period for each grantee.