Privately Owned or Rented Housing

Most individuals prefer to live in their own home, near family and friends and in a community that has access to resources and opportunities for engagement. That might mean a house that is owned or rented, an apartment, a condo, a manufactured home, a room or another privately-owned property.

The ability to age in place at home can change over one’s lifespan. There are services and supports older adults and people with disabilities can use which help them remain in their own home as their needs change. These include services that help individuals with home maintenance and home modifications to ensure the home is safe and accessible and to afford housing and in-home services that help them live independently.

Home lenders and landlords establish their own requirements for purchase or rentals.

Homeowners are generally responsible for all aspects of the care and maintenance of their home. Landlords are usually responsible for the care and maintenance of rented homes.

There are services available to assist with home maintenance including modifications for accessibility and chore assistance. In addition, there are a wide variety of in-home services that are available to help individuals remain in their home. See the in-home section for more information.

CTHousingSearch
A resource for rental housing.

Rental Assistance Program
This is a state-funded program that helps families with low-incomes afford safe housing in the private market. Eligible participants who receive RAP certificates are free to choose their own rental housing.

Private Pay
Private pay refers to using personal funds to cover all or a portion of an expense. There are different ways to acquire private pay resources.

CHFA Home of Your Own Program for Persons with Disabilities
This program makes homeownership more accessible to first-time buyers with disabilities by providing loans at below market rates.

Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
This federally-funded rent subsidy program assists very low-income families, older adults and people with disabilities afford decent, safe and sanitary housing in the private market. Housing choice vouchers are administered by local housing authorities.

Programs for Private Home Repairs
There are several options available to homeowners and renters looking to make home improvements, repairs or modifications. These programs generally require out-of-pocket expenses.

Renters’ Rebate
This program provides a reimbursement for eligible Connecticut renters who are elderly or living with a disability.

Homeowners Elderly/Disabled Tax Relief Program (Circuit Breaker)
This program provides a tax credit to low-income older adults and people with disabilities who own or rent property.

Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Approved Housing Counseling
Current and prospective homeowners and renters can receive advice and housing counseling from sponsored agencies statewide at no- or low-cost to make informed purchasing decisions about their home.

CHFA Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP)
First-time homebuyers who qualify for a CHFA first mortgage may also apply for the Down Payment Assistance program. This offers a low-interest loan to cover the expenses of a down payment.

VA Home Loans
VA home loans offer eligible veterans, active service members and their spouses a special home loan benefit to buy, build, refinance or adapt their home without the need for excellent credit.

Reverse Mortgages
A reverse mortgage is a type of home loan older homeowners can use to tap accrued equity in their house for cash. Recipients can use the money to pay off debts, supplement other income, or pay healthcare expenses.