An Eligible Owner is defined by the most recent APCHA Affordable Housing Guidelines and subject to policies contained therein. Applicants must be an APCHA deed-restricted Category 1 - 4 (Category based on income re- qualification not unit category.) homeowner. Homeowners must be current on their HOA dues, taxes, and in good standing with APCHA (no outstanding Notice of Violations, bi-annual affidavit must be completed).

If a new owner is in the process of buying a unit, they must first close on their unit before making a grant application.

Owners are fully responsible for acquiring permits and hiring a contractor. If you need assistance finding a contractor, APCHA has a list of recommended contractors who have worked on APCHA homes. 

• APCHA Contractor List (PDF)

Not all APCHA ownership units under the current regulations are eligible for this program.

APCHA will review if you need to go under a new deed restriction to qualify. 

The following units are excluded:

• RO units
• Mobile Homes
• Employer-owned units

Each unit is eligible for one grant up to $10,000. Owners who received grant funding through the 2024 and 2025 programs can reapply for a different project during the 2026 program.

For a valid application, all unit owner(s) must submit a partial requalification. Required requalification forms include 2024 year's tax returns and 2024 W-2s or 1099s or Profit & Loss Report now, (starting February 1, 2026:  2025 W-2s or 1099s or Profit & Loss Report must be provided, and starting April 15, 2026: 2025 tax returns must be provided).

• If self-employed, personal and business tax returns and year to date profit and loss are required to submit.

This requalification does not consider assets.

Requalification forms must be submitted within 2-weeks of applying. If forms are not turned in within 2-weeks, the application will be denied.

Match level will be determined based on the category of requalification. The percentage indicated is the amount of the total repair cost the applicant is required to pay. Listed are the requalification category and required % to match:

• Category 1 - 10%
• Category 2 - 20%
• Category 3 - 30%
• Category 4 - 40%

For example, if a Category 3 owner has a $8,000 repair, the owner must contribute $2,400 (30%) to the final repair cost and would be eligible for $5,600 in grant funding.

Essential repairs are defined as repairs that are necessary to improve the health and safety of the home, protect the integrity of the asset, or bring the unit to code. APCHA defines health and safety standards as any repairs or replacements that ensure the home is free of hazards that could endanger the residents.

Repairs with paid invoices completed within 4-months prior to applying are eligible for the program. 

Ineligible repairs include:

• Common areas or repairs that are the responsibility of HOA Capital Reserves.
• Repairs which came with a credit at the time of sale.
• Carpets, flooring, painting, and true "capital improvements"- for example, replacing counter tops, bathtub, or cabinets for an upgrade.

Additionally, repairs completed using grant funds from APCHA are not eligible for any capital improvement recuperation.

1. Furnace/Water Heaters Repairs or Replacements
2. Plumbing/Leaks and/or consequent damage to the unit
3. Roof Repairs or Replacements
4. Accessibility modifications
5. Window Repairs or Replacements
6. Mold Remediation

Repairs not included in these categories will be accepted on a case-by-case basis, determined by APCHA staff and the outlined definition of an "essential repair."

Owners considering any of the below repair/replacement, are encouraged to work with CORE. 

• Boiler Repairs or Replacements with fuel switching projects
• Heat Pump Repairs, Replacements or Additions
• Hot Water Heater Replacements
• Insulation

CORE can provide technical assistance with repairs in these categories to assist in selecting which products to choose from. CORE also offers rebates for projects that can be utilized. Owners making replacements within these categories will be automatically connected with a CORE representative.

A complete application includes:

• Completing the - Google Form Application
  1. Including professional estimates for the repair(s)
• Submitting all required requalification forms within 2 weeks of application submission.

Review and application status will be completed within seven (7) business days of the application submission. The application deadline for 2026 is December 1^st, 2026.

Upon receiving notice of grant approval, grantees must put the repair into motion. Grantees have until December 1^th, 2026, to complete their repair and must provide progress updates to the program administrators.

Grant approval may be rescinded if the grantee fails to meet the project deadline or provide regular updates

Proof of permit for all repairs or replacements which require a permit through the City or County will be required to receive the grant.

• Pitkin County Permits:
  1. builderoftheday@pitkincounty.com
  2. https://pitkincounty.com/192/Building 
• City of Aspen Permits:
  1. builderoftheday@gmail.com
  2. https://aspen.gov/236/Building-Permit-Process-Payment 

In most cases, the contractor will acquire the permit for the project. It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure this step in the process is completed.

Upon completion of the repair, the grantee must complete the post-repair form. To receive the post-repair form after completing your repairs, contact the program administrator. This form will require:

• Final paid invoices
• Proof of permit
• Photos of the completed repair
• Description of the replacement or repair
  1. E.g. the type of boiler replaced with.
• W-9 Form (grants are taxable income)
• Contractor information
• Address for where you would prefer your check to be mailed

Upon completion of the form, the grant will be processed and sent within 2-3 weeks.

All aspects of the Essential Home Repairs Pilot Grant Program eligibility and approval are at the sole exclusive discretion of the Program Administrator, APCHA Staff, and availability of funds. These Guidelines are subject to change and changes are binding upon the applicant.

The grant program is jointly funded by Pitkin County and the City of Aspen. The program administrator is:

• Emily Maynard – APCHA Housing Policy Analyst
  1. Email Emily Maynard

Direct any program questions to the program administrator.