Rental Housing Preservation Program (RHPP) Request for Proposals

Location:	North Carolina
Posted:	Aug 6, 2026
Due:	Aug 28, 2026
Agency:	City of Charlotte
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	G - Social Services W - Lease or Rental of Equipment
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

The Rental Housing Preservation Program is a competitive pilot program that helps small and mid-sized rental property owners preserve Charlotteʼs existing affordable housing by providing financial assistance for eligible property repairs. In exchange, participating owners agree to maintain safe, quality rental housing and keep rents affordable for a designated period. Before applying, we encourage you to review the Program Guide to learn about eligibility requirements, eligible repairs, funding options, and the application process.

Submission Deadline: August 28th, 2026

Rental Housing Preservation Program (RHPP) Guide

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Rental Housing Preservation Program FY2026

INTRODUCTION &

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Charlotte has many older rental homes, and over time, property owners may struggle to keep up with

major repairs. When repairs are delayed, tenants can be left in unsafe or unhealthy conditions, and

affordable properties may eventually be sold, demolished, or converted to higher-cost housing.

The Rental Housing Preservation Program, or RHPP, is a pilot program designed to help small and mid-

sized rental property owners complete needed repairs. The City has made $2 million available for

investment through this pilot. In exchange for receiving assistance, participating owners must agree to

maintain safe and livable housing, keep rents affordable, and preserve the property as rental housing for

many years.

Because funding is limited, the application process will be competitive, and not every eligible applicant or

property will be selected. Applications will be evaluated based on the program’s priorities, the condition

and readiness of the property, the proposed repairs, available funding, and other criteria described in this

guide.

This program guide provides an overview of the RHPP, including who the program is intended to serve,

eligible repairs, application requirements, and the selection process. It does not replace the official

program agreement, loan documents, deed restrictions, or other legal documents that selected applicants

will be required to sign.

This guide answers key questions, helps property owners determine whether the program is a good fit,

and supports the preparation of a complete and competitive application.

IS THE PROGRAM RIGHT FOR YOU?

RHPP is built for small and mid-sized landlords. It is meant for those who:

• Own a small number of older rental properties, such as a single-family rental, duplex, triplex,

quadraplex, or small apartment building (comprised of 24 units or less) built prior to 1976.

• Want to make needed repairs but do not have easy access to affordable financing for the work.

• Are at risk of losing property to disrepair, rising costs, or the temptation to sell or demolish it.

In short, if you own an older Charlotte rental home that needs work, and you want to keep renting it out

responsibly, this program is designed with you in mind.

OWNER REQUIREMENTS

You may qualify as an owner if all of the following are true:

• You own the property and can provide a deed or other accepted proof of ownership (if applicable)

• You own fewer than one hundred (100) rental units total, across all cities and counties.

• You have owned this property for at least two (2) years. Exceptions may apply if you inherited the

property ,received it from a family member or recieve a waiver.

Housing & Neighborhood Services

Rental Housing Preservation Program FY2026

• You are current on property taxes and do not have major unresolved debts, liens, or judgements

tied to the property.

• You can cover your share of the repair costs, or you qualify for a reduced or waived share.

• You agree to follow the program’s affordability period, repair, and preservation rules .

PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS

Your property may qualify if all of the following are true:

• It is located within Chalotte city limits.

• It is at least 50 years old (built prior to 1976).

• It is a rental home, not owner-occupied.

• It is a single-family rental, duplex, triplex, quadraplex, or small-apartment building.

• The repairs it needs can realistically be completed within the program’s timeline and budget,

without tearing the building down.

• It is free of title, ownership, or legal issues that would prevent the City from recording the

required paperwork.

UNIT REQUIREMENTS

Each unit you apply for must:

• Be a residential rental unit within an eligible property (refer to ‘Property Requirements’).

• Be occupied now, or intended for continued rental use after repairs.

• Fall within the 5-unit cap per owner (see below), unless the City approves an exception.

• Be able to meet basic housing code and safety standards once repairs are complete.

PROGRAM FUNDING

One of the goals of RHPP is to make major property repairs more financially achievable while ensuring

public funds are invested responsibly. Below is an overview of how program funding works. If more

applications are received than funding available, preference will be given to nonprofit organizations, low-

income residents and/or projects located in high priority areas. Applications will close August 28th.

HOW MUCH FUNDING CAN I RECEIVE?

The City may fund up to 75% of approved eligible rehabilitation costs, with property owners

responsible for the remaining 25% share unless they qualify for a reduced or waived match.

To accommodate different project needs, the City offers two payment options:

1. OWNER REIMBURSEMENT:

The property owner pays for the approved rehabilitation work and is reimbursed by the City for

up to 75% of eligible costs after required inspections and documentation have been completed.

Housing & Neighborhood Services

Rental Housing Preservation Program FY2026

2. DIRECT CONTRACTOR PAYMENT:

The property owner first contributes their required share of eligible project costs. The City then

pays its approved portion directly to the contractor through progress payments as construction

milestones are completed and approved.

As a general planning guide, the City will typically invest up to $50,000 per assisted unit.

This amount is not guaranteed and is not a fixed, maximum, award. Final funding is determined

individually based on factors such as:

• The property’s condition

• The approved scope of work

• Cost reasonableness

• Number of assisted units

• Available program funding

• Overall public benefit

The payment option and final approved investment for your project will be determined before

construction begins and outlined in your Program Agreement.

PAYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Whether funding is provided through reimbursement or direct contractor payments, City funds are only

released for approved eligible work that meets program requirements.

Before payment can be issued, the following requirements must be met:

• Approved work has been completed, or the applicable construction milestone has been reached.

• Required inspections have been completed and approved.

• Required permits have been obtained and closed, as applicable.

• All required documentation has been submitted and approved.

Program staff will explain the payment process, documentation requirements, and applicable payment

schedule before construction begins.

CAN MY REQUIRED MATCH BE REDUCED?

Possibly. The City recognizes that some small property owners may not have the financial resources to

provide the full, required, match.

In limited circumstances, the City may approve a reduced or waived owner contribution when doing so

is necessary to make the preservation project feasible and the public benefit justifies the additional

investment.

Match reductions are reviewed case by case and are never automatic.

Housing & Neighborhood Services

Rental Housing Preservation Program FY2026

ELIGIBLE REPAIRS

RHPP is designed to preserve existing rental housing by funding repairs that improve safety, habitability,

and the long-term condition of the property. Eligible repairs are determined on a project-by-project basis

and must be approved by the City before work begins.

ELIGIBLE COSTS

Program funds may be used for repairs and improvements that preserve the property, address health

and safety concerns, improve habitability, extend the useful life of the building, or support long-term

preservation goals.

Examples of eligible costs include:

• Health and safety repairs, including electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling systems.

• Roof, foundation, and structural repairs.

• Repairs to windows, doors, porches, and other original features of the home.

• Weatherization and energy-efficiency improvements, such as insulation and high-efficiency HVAC

systems.

• Accessibility and safety improvements, such as handrails and bathroom safety features.

• Required lead-safe testing, hazard control, and related environmental compliance work.

INELIGIBLE COSTS

The program does not cover costs that fall outside its preservation goals. Examples include:

• Luxury upgrades that are not necessary for safety, code compliance, or rehabilitation.

• Cosmetic improvements that were not part of an approved rehabilitation scope.

• Work completed before receiving the City's Notice to Proceed.

• Unapproved change orders.

• Demolition or new construction, except for limited removal of unsafe components approved by

the City as part of an eligible rehabilitation project.

PROGRAM COMMITMENTS

In exchange for receiving City funding, property owners agree to preserve affordable rental housing for

the benefit of current and future residents. These commitments help ensure that public funds continue to

provide long-term value to both tenants and the community.

If your project is approved, you will agree to the following requirements:

KEEP RENTS AFFORDABLE

Assisted units must remain affordable for 15 years.

Housing & Neighborhood Services

Rental Housing Preservation Program FY2026

When a unit is first rented under the program, it must be leased to a household that meets the program's

income requirements. Rent must remain within the program's established limits throughout the

affordability period.

Annual rent increases are limited to the lesser of 3% or the applicable Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).

In no case may rent exceed the maximum amount allowed under the program.

PRESERVE THE PROPERTY

RHPP is designed to preserve existing rental housing—not replace it.

Property owners agree to maintain the assisted structure and preserve it for future use. The assisted

structure may not be demolished for 50 years unless the City provides prior written approval under

limited circumstances outlined in the program documents.

USE WRITTEN LEASES

All assisted rental units must be rented using a lease that complies with the program requirements. Lease

terms may not conflict with the affordability requirements established through RHPP.

COMPLETE APPROVED REPAIRS

Program funds may only be used for the repairs approved by the City.

Any significant changes to the approved scope of work must receive written City approval before the

work is completed. Owners are also responsible for obtaining any required permits and ensuring work

complies with applicable building codes.

SIGN REQUIRED PROGRAM DOCUMENTS

Before construction begins, approved property owners will sign several legal documents that outline the

terms of participation.

These documents protect both the property owner and the City's investment by documenting the

approved project, affordability requirements, and long-term preservation commitments. Some of these

documents will be recorded with the county and will remain with the property for the required

programming term.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Once you're ready to apply, the City will work with you through each step of the process. While every

project is unique, the process generally follows the steps below on page 6 and 7.

Housing & Neighborhood Services

This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.

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Rental Housing Preservation Program (RHPP) Request for Proposals

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