Weatherization
© 1997-8 by Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.
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What is weatherization?

    Weatherization is the making of repairs or improvements to a home, an apartment, or a heating system to reduce heating costs.

    WAP is a program that helps low-income households meet the high costs of home heating through weatherization. The weatherization work is done free of charge. Some weatherization services include:

• weatherstripping and caulking around doors and windows
• cleaning, testing, and repairing heating systems
• repairing or replacing broken windows or exterior doors
• repairing or replacing broken windows or exterior doors
• installing attic and wall insulation
• making certain other repairs
• in some circumstances, replacement of furnaces

    If someone in your household receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI), public assistance, Food Stamps, or Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefits, you are eligible because of your income.

    Even if you are not part of any of the above programs, and even if you are working, you may qualify. Call one of the agencies listed at the bottom of page 3 to find out.

    Make sure to apply early. The waiting list for weatherization services is a few months long.

    Yes, if they meet income guidelines.

    If you rent a single family home and meet income guidelines, you qualify for weatherization.

    If you rent an apartment in a two-family dwelling, the entire house is eligible as long as one of the two families meets income guidelines.

    If you live in an apartment building with three or more apartments, the entire building will qualify for weatherization as long as three out of four of the families are eligible because of their income.

    Yes. The landlord needs to cooperate before weatherization work can be done. Usually landlords are willing to cooperate since the entire building will be weatherized at little or no cost to them. The Weatherization Program requests that landlords pay 25% of the cost. If the landlord refuses to pay, but gives permission to do the work, you will get weatherization services. However, you may not get as many repairs.

    Generally no, unless you violate the terms of your lease. Also, the landlord must agree not to raise your rent for two years due to improvements made by the Weatherization Program. If you have questions about this, call us.

1. Telephone one of the weatherization agencies listed below and ask them to send you an application and schedule an interview. They will tell you what documents you need to bring when you come for the interview.

2. A pre-weatherization inspection will be made to learn what needs to be done.

3. The weatherization work will be done.

4. A post-weatherization inspection will take place to make sure the work was done properly and that improvement has been made that will reduce your heating costs.

Clarkson Community Center     831-8291 (Buffalo residents)

Supportive Services Corp. 881-6350 (non-Buffalo residents in Erie County)

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