Affordable Rental Upgrade
Program in Ulster County

Are You a Kingston or Ulster County Landlord Needing Rental Property Repairs and Upgrades?

RUPCO’s Ulster County Affordable Rental Upgrade Program (ARUP) can help! We provide grants to assist small landlords in upgrading rental apartments that serve low- to moderate-income tenants in Ulster County.

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How can the Ulster County Affordable Rental Upgrade Program help landlords?

If you’re a landlord with 8 or fewer rental units, the ARUP program offers grants for essential repairs. These upgrades address code violations, health and safety concerns, improve energy efficiency, support building electrification, and enhance accessibility. In return, landlords agree to maintain affordable rent levels for a period of 5 to 7 years, depending on the grant amount awarded.

Who is eligible? 

  • Small Ulster County landlords who own 8 or less units. Corporate owned properties are eligible.
  • Landlords who are currently or willing to rent to tenants at or below the income 80% the Area Median Income.

    Tenant Annual Household Income Limit (Gross)
    Household Size12345678
    Gross Household Income Limit at 60% of the Area Median, up to $25,000 award/unit$46,920$53,640$60,360$67,020$72,420$77,760$83,160$88.500
    Gross Household Income Limit at 80% of the Area Median, up to $15,000 award/unit$62,550$71,500$80,450$89,350$96,500$103,650$110,800$117,950
  • Landlords who will keep monthly rent amounts stabilized at an affordable rate (i.e., 30% of a tenant’s monthly income) for up to 5 to 7 years, depending on funding amount granted.Maxiumum Monthly Rent 
    Unit SizeHousehold SizeAffordable Rent at 60% AMIAffordable Rent at 80% AMI
    Studio1 $1,173$1,564
    1 BR2$1,341$1,788
    2 BR3$1,509$2,011
    3 BR4$1,676$2,234
    4 BR5$1,810$2,413
  • Other terms and conditions may apply.
    Household income limits and rent amounts are subject to change in 2025.

How much funding could be awarded per unit? 

Eligible property owners can receive grants for admissible repairs with grant amounts based on the level of affordability [percent of area median income (AMI) of tenants] of the units currently or would be in the future after the grant is received. The following grant levels are available for apartments serving:

  1. Renters earning 60% of AMI or below: Grants up to $25,000 per rental unit and no more than $50,000 per building.
  2. Renters earning 61% to 80% of AMI: Grants up to $15,000 per rental unit and no more than $30,000 per building.

 

 

Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

Please return the completed application and documentation to:

RUPCO
301 Fair St. Kingston, NY 12401
Attn: Nicholas Morrill

You may also scan and email it to
nmorrill@rupco.org

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Questions
Nicholas Morrill
nmorrill@rupco.org
845-331-2140 x232

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Important ARUP Program Information 

  • WHAT UPGRADES ARE ELIGIBLE UNDER THE AFFORDABLE RENTAL UPGRADE PROGRAM?

The focus of this program is to create rental properties that Ulster County residents can afford while providing funding to small landlords for certain upgrades and repairs. Eligible project expenses will be prioritized in the following order:

    1. Health and Safety Upgrades: Environmental mitigation for lead, asbestos, mold or radon when feasible in unoccupied spaces structural repairs, flooring replacement for non-cosmetic reasons, repair or replacement of decks, steps, railings, porches
    2. Accessibility Upgrades: Upgrades to make apartments accessible to residents with disabilities.
    3. Energy Efficiency Upgrades: Energy efficiency weatherization upgrades, heating system replacement hot water systems window and door replacement
    4. General Upgrades: Repair or replacement of plumbing fixtures, repair of utility supply lines, drains, vents, and electrical fixtures, chimney repair, general carpentry repairs, roof replacement, electrical service upgrades, or repairs gutter system upgrades and replacement.

This is not an exhaustive list of all eligible upgrades. Applications for repairs will be assessed and prioritized individually using the general prioritizations used above.

  • WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF THIS GRANT PROGRAM?

This grant is focused on supporting landlords to complete upgrades to rental units serving households who rent and earn less than 80% of the Ulster County Area Median Income. The grant program will prioritize more serious health and safety upgrades that may be impacting tenants health as well as focusing on accessibility and energy-efficiency upgrades.

  • WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA TO APPLY FOR THE GRANT?

ARUP is focused on assisting small local landlords. Applicants must own eight or fewer units to apply for the program. Applicants will be required to demonstrate ownership of eight or fewer units.

  • HOW WILL YOU ENSURE THE REPAIRS ARE COMPLETED AND THE RENTAL UNITS STAY AFFORDABLE?

The City of Kingston, Ulster County, and RUPCO will work with grantees to complete the upgrades in a timely manner with minimal disturbance to tenants. RUPCO will monitor rental leases for affordability for all grantees throughout the affordability period for each grantee.

For the City of Kingston, the program is made possible by the City of Kingston’s American Recovery Funds. For Ulster County, the program is made possible by funding provided by the County Legislature.