Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DOES THE LEAD HAZARD REDUCTION PROGRAM WORK?

Assistance is provided on a “first come, first serve” basis. The program provides one-time assistance to qualified homeowners with lead hazards in the home. 

HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR THE PROGRAM?

• Income Eligibility
  1. A household must be income eligible. The total household income may not exceed 80% of the area median income by family size. Income Limits are published by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Below are the current income limits for this program.

• Home Requirements
  1. The home must be located within the city limits of Clarksville.
  2.  The home must be built before 1978
  3. You must be able to provide a copy of the deed to your home and the title must be clear from all extraordinary liens and encumbrances including:
     • Past due property tax liens
     • Past due special assignment liens
     • Mechanics liens
     • Real estate contracts not between the title owner and borrower
     • Paid off mortgages not released
     • Lawsuits
     • Life Estates (Not eligible under this program)
     • Judgments

HOW DO I APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE?

To process your application, you will need to submit a completed application and provide the required documentation. When completing your application be sure to follow these instructions and provide all forms of documentation required. 

• Complete every section of the application
• Read and sign the applicant certification statements.
   Separation or Divorce Settlement Statement: A separation or divorce settlement statement for alimony will need to be evidenced by regular payment of the alimony payments, if applicable.
• Regular Contributions or Payments from Others: This includes funds contributed by other family members, regardless of whether they live in the same dwelling as the prospective borrower, will be included and income verified with canceled checks written by the payer, bank statements showing deposits in the prospective borrower's account, or written notarized letter concerning the contribution or payment. 
• Unemployment or Temporary Disabilities: When calculating income for applicants who are unemployed or temporarily disabled, six (6) months of unemployment or disability compensation plus six (6) months of income from the last job will be used to calculate yearly income. 
• Pension, disability, social security or social service benefits: Acceptable methods of verifying such income include any one or more of the following, which are listed in order of preference:
  1. A copy of the benefits form obtained by the borrower
  2. A copy of the award letter

After submitting your application, CNCS staff may contact you for more specific information about your home and schedule a preliminary inspection. 
 

WHAT NEIGHBORHOODS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR ASSISTANCE?

The property must be located within the city limits of Clarksville and be built before 1978.

WHO DETERMINES WHAT WORK NEEDS TO BE DONE OR CAN BE DONE?

Once the homeowner or renter has been income-qualified and CNCS has verified the age of the home, CNCS staff will arrange to visit the house to inspect the conditions of the house. Once staff confirms that there are no major code violations, they will discuss the lead inspection and risk assessment (LIRA) process with the homeowner or tenant. A list of work will be developed based on financial feasibility and the findings and recommendations of the lead risk assessor. Lead hazard controls may include new windows, doors, cabinets, fresh interior and/or exterior paint, and more. 

If there are other underlying issues contributing to the lead hazards (e.g., leaking plumbing, moisture intrusion, a leaking chimney, etc.), they may be addressed as part of the lead hazard control plan.

WHO DOES THE WORK AND HOW ARE THEY SELECTED?

CNCS will maintain a list of qualified and insured contractors. The City will solicit bids from them, and select a qualified contractor. The homeowner then enters into a contract with the selected contractor. CNCS reserves the right to deny a homeowner assistance if the repair work exceeds the budget set for the project.

HOW IS MY HOUSEHOLD INCOME CALCULATED?

• Inclusions:
  1. All earnings, including salary and wages, tips, overtime and bonuses of the prospective borrowers, and his or her spouse and all adults (18 years of age or older living in the property)
  2. Taxable interest and dividends
  3. Taxable refunds, or credits (There are some exceptions)
  4. Alimony (or separate maintenance payments (received)
  5. Business income (loss)
  6. Capital Gain (loss)
  7. Rental real estate, royalties, partnerships, S corporations, trusts, etc.
  8. Farm Income (loss)
  9. Unemployment compensation payments
  10. VA Disability Income
  11. Taxable amount of Social Security benefits
  12. Other Income: This includes prizes and awards; gambling, lottery or raffle winnings; jury duty fees; income from any rental property, any income.
• Exclusions
  1. Income from employment of children (including foster children) under age 18
  2. Payments received for the care of foster children
  3. Lump sum additions to family assets, such as inheritances, or insurance payments
  4. The full amount of student financial assistance paid directly to the student or to the educational institution
  5. Special pay to family member serving in the Armed Forces
  6. Temporary, nonrecurring or sporadic income
  7. Health insurance payments not paid by employer
  8. Alimony or maintenance payments paid
  9. Non-reimbursable extraordinary medical costs that reliable medical opinion dictates are likely to continue for more than one (1) year.