Mississippi Housing Recovery
Do I Qualify?
Mississippi Affordable Rental Housing Rehabilitation & Reconstruction Program (ARHP)
The Mississippi Affordable Rental Housing Rehabilitation & Reconstruction Program (ARHP) provides federal funding to assist eligible landlord-applicants rehabilitate or reconstruct vacant single-family rental homes in the communities affected by the March 2023, June 2023, and April 2024 tornadoes and straight-line winds.
Application Now Open!
About the Program
The program is designed to preserve and expand affordable rental housing for low- and moderate-income households while improving the safety, quality, and resilience of rental properties in disaster affected areas.
ARHP is available to individuals, businesses, and non-profits with ownership of 10 or fewer single-family rental homes. Applicants may apply for assistance for up to 3 of their vacant single-family rental properties.
This program is for landlords whose vacant rental properties were: damaged or destroyed by the disaster events OR vacant properties that need repairs to meet habitability standards for future rental occupancy.
Qualifying Areas
The program is for low-to-moderate income homeowners in these designated areas:
- Hinds County
- Scott County
- Sharkey County
- Humphreys County (ZIP codes 39038 and 39166)
- Jackson County (ZIP code 39563)
- Monroe County (ZIP code 38821)
Eligibility
Landlords may apply for assistance with up to 3 eligibile vacant rental properties;
- Units must be unrepaired damage due to the March 2023, June 2023 or April 2024 tornadoes and straight-line winds OR be in a state of disrepair that do not meet habitability standards.
- Are located in Hinds County, Scott County, Sharkey County, City of Belzoni (39038), Silver City (39166), City of Moss Point (39563), or City of Amory (38821).
- Applicants must own the property at the time of application.
- Property must be a single-family detached unit structure type, such as a stick-built, modular, or manufactured home; no duplexes or other multi-unit structures will be eligible.
- Properties must be unoccupied at the time of application, and remain unoccupied through the program eligibility process and construction. Applicants may not evict tenants to become eligible for ARHP.
- Applicant must be current on property taxes and mortgage or on a payment plan in good standing.
- Applicant must agree to lease the assisted unit to income-eligible households at restricted rents during a 5-year affordability period. Click here for current rental rates and income limits.
- Applicant must not own more than ten housing units, excluding their homestead.
Award Types
Stick-Built Homes
- Rehabilitation: if repair costs are less than 60% of pre-storm valuation or $65,000 (whichever is less).
- Reconstruction: if repair costs are greater than or equal to 60% of pre‑storm valuation or $65,000 (whichever is less).
Mobile and Manufactured Homes
- Rehabilitation: if repair costs are less than $15,000 and the MHU is less than 5 years old.
- Reconstruction: if repair costs are greater than or equal to $15,000 or the MHU is over 5 years old, MHUs will be replaced with a stick-built home.
Award Caps
Maximum Award
- Rehabilitation - $65,000
- Reconstruction - $120,000
Award amounts are determined using a sliding scale based on the size of the home and are capped at 70% of total project costs.
Additional Helpful Information
ARHP is a reimbursement-based program.
Applicants must demonstrate ability to complete the project, including identifying other funding sources if needed.
Award draws issued after three successful inspection thresholds after costs are incurred 25%, 50%, and 100% (final)
Applicant is responsible for hiring and managing general contractors.
Applicants are evaluated to ensure successful completion and long-term compliance.
Landlords must agree to a five-year affordability period. Forgiveness occurs at 20% of award over 5 years.
Frequently asked Questions
Can I use ARHP funds to rebuild or rehabilitate a duplex?
No. ARHP is intended to rebuild or rehabilitate single family detached homes only. Duplexes, triplexes, condos, apartments, or other multi-family housing are not eligible for funding under ARHP.
Can I use ARHP funds to build a new rental development?
No. ARHP is intended to rehabilitate or reconstruct existing rental properties in the areas affected by the 2023 and 2024 Mississippi tornadoes and severe storms (the “Qualifying Disasters”). New construction on previously undeveloped sites is not an eligible activity under the program.
How much funding can I receive?
ARHP awards are calculated using a sliding scale reimbursement model as described in the program guidelines and are capped at 70% of total eligible project costs. The maximum Program award for any one structure is $120,000 for reconstruction and $65,000 for rehabilitation, subject to the verified unmet need and cost reasonableness.
Do I have to rent my units to low-to-moderate income (LMI) households?
Yes. Assisted units must be occupied by income-qualified households and remain affordable (based on HUD High HOME rental limits) during the five-year affordability period. Tenant income eligibility will be verified before occupancy and will be monitored throughout the compliance period.
Will I be required to maintain the property after construction is complete?
Yes. Property owners are responsible for maintaining assisted units in decent, safe, and sanitary condition and for addressing any required repairs during the affordability period. Assisted units will be subject to periodic inspections to verify compliance.
Can I choose my own contractor?
Yes. Applicants are able to hire registered/licensed and insured builders of their choice to perform reconstruction or rehabilitation activities subject to procurement requirements outlined in the program guidelines. Property owners are precluded from acting as their own general contractors; however, the applicant may consult with the Program in the event that an exception may need to be considered. Property owners are required to oversee this construction process.