Lead-Safe Housing Program FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Should my home be tested?
If your housing unit was built in the City of Alexandria before 1978 and you have a child under the age of 6 or a pregnant female living or visiting the house for more than 6 hours per week, you should have your home tested.
Should my child be tested for lead poisoning?
All children should be tested for lead poisoning at the discretion of their physician. Contact the Lead-Safe Housing Program at (318) 449-5067 to see if you qualify for free blood testing for children enrolled in our program.
Who is eligible?
Applicants eligible for assistance under the Lead-Safe Housing Program must:
- Only property OWNERS can apply. They can be owner-occupied housing or landlords of rental properties.
- Housing unit that was built in the City of Alexandria before 1978
- Have a household income that does not exceed 80 percent of the area median income for the household size (occupant income is evaluated to determine eligibility for rental properties)
- Have a child under the age of six residing or visiting in the home more than six hours a week (owner occupied units) or are currently pregnant
- Rental units are not required to have children under six present, however, upon unit turnover, the property owner must commit to making the unit available to families with children under six
What kind of repairs are made?
Lead Hazard Control activities may include the following type of work:
- Exteriors – Deteriorated lead-painted exteriors will be repaired. This may include wet scraping and painting, the application of vinyl siding or coverage with an approved encapsulate.
- Windows – If window sashes are deteriorated, they may be replaced with new vinyl sashes or repaired. Window troughs may be covered to create a smooth and easy-to-clean surface.
- High-Risk Paint – Other high-risk areas include lead-painted porches, floors, stairs, and parts of doors. Depending on their condition, these areas may be stripped, covered, replaced, or wet scraped and primed and repainted to reduce lead exposure.
- Flooring and Dust – Lead contaminated household dust is a major source of lead exposure and is very difficult to eliminate. The contractor may use special equipment and techniques to thoroughly clean lead dust. Carpets may be removed and/or replaced.
- Bare Soil – Bare soil with high levels of lead is another source of lead exposure. The contractor may cover contaminated bare soil with wood chips, gravel, sod, or clean soil and grass seed.
What are the income limits?
For current income limits established by HUD for this grant are found below.
2022 CDBG Income Limits Alexandria, LA MSA Area
Family Size | Extremely Low Income 30% AMI | Very Low Income 50% AMI | Low Income 80% AMI |
1 | $13,450 | $22,350 | $35,750 |
2 | $15,350 | $25,550 | $40,850 |
3 | $17,250 | $28,750 | $45,950 |
4 | $19,150 | $31,900 | $51,050 |
5 | $20,700 | $34,500 | $55,150 |
6 | $22,250 | $37,050 | $59,250 |
7 | $23,750 | $39,600 | $63,350 |
8 | $25,300 | $42,150 | $67,400 |
Household income which does not exceed 80 percent of the area median income for the household size may qualify.
How do I apply?
Homeowners or landlords who wish to apply for assistance must apply for pre-qualification through the online portal or contact Lead-Safe Housing Program at (318) 449-5067 for pre-qualification.
Then what happens?
After verification of the information provided and the determination of eligibility, an inspection of the property will be made by the Community Development Lead Inspector to determine the current condition of the property, and preliminary feasibility for inclusion in the Lead-Safe Housing Program.
Homeowners are encouraged to assist the rehabilitation specialist by providing information on problems that you know exist and need repair. After the inspection, if rehabilitation is deemed feasible, a meeting will be set up to discuss the details of the programs and responsibilities of the City, homeowner, and contractors.
Preference will be given in situations that threaten the health and safety of the occupants. Homes are prioritized as follows:
- Homes of children with elevated blood lead levels of greater than or equal to 5 ug/l
- Privately owned, single-family residents (owner occupants)
- Other agency referrals