Weatherization

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

        The Weatherization Assistance Program (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: weather-stripping and caulking around doors and windows; cleaning, testing, and repairing heating systems; repairing or replacing broken windows or exterior doors; installing attic and wall insulation; and in some circumstances, replacing furnaces

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

        You may still qualify for some assistance even if you do not receive assistance from any of the above programs, or if you are working, Call one of the agencies listed in this article to see if you qualify. Make sure to apply early. The waiting list for weatherization services is several months long.

Homeowners may be eligible if they meet income guidelines.

        Tenants who rent single family homes and meet income guidelines, may qualify for weatherization services.

        If the tenant lives in a two-family dwelling, the entire house is eligible as long as one of the two families meets income guidelines.

        If the tenant lives 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.

        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, the tenant will receive weatherization services, but all necessary repairs may not be done.

        Generally no, unless the tenant violates the terms of the lease. Also, the landlord must agree not to raise the tenant’s rent for two years due to improvements made by the Weatherization Program. If you have questions about this, call Neighborhood Legal Services.

        To receive free weatherization service:

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 when you come for the interview.

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

3) The weatherization work will be completed.

4) A post-weatherizarion inspection will take place to make sure that the work was done properly and that the improvements made will reduce your heating costs.

South Buffalo Weatherization 893-7222 & 884-3694 (Buffalo residents)

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

        A landlord may not discriminate because of age, and may not refuse to rent an apartment or refuse to re-new a lease on the basis of age. If you believe you are or have been a victim of discrimination, you may contact Neighborhood Legal Services or file a complaint with the New York State Division of Human Rights, or with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

        Senior citizens 62 years or older (including people who will turn 62 during the term of the lease) who relocate to an adult care facility, a residential health care facility, subidized housing or to senior citizen housing have the right to terminate an existing residential lease.

        Senior tenants, or their spouses living with them, who are certified by a physician as no longer able for medical reasons to live independently, and who will move to a residence of a family member, may also terminate a residential lease

        The senior citizen must send a written letter to the landlord giving a full month's advance notice of intent to terminate the tenancy. If the tenant is moving into an adult care facility, a residential health care facility, subsidized or senior housing, the tenant must send a copy of an admission or pending admission notice of one of these facilitiies along with the notice to terminate tenancy to the landlord.

        Applications for subsidized housing are available at:

Rental Assistance Corporation of Buffalo
Franklin Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
716-882-0063

Belmont Shelter Corporation
Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14209
716-884-7791

        There are also a number of other subsidized housing apartment complexes in Buffalo and Erie County.

Housing Highlights Table of Contents | NLS Home Page | Housing Home Page | Feedback