Wash. Rev. Code § 43.185A § 43.185A.180
Grants and loans for major building improvements, preservation repairs, and system replacements.
Operative Text
(1) In order to maintain the long-term viability of affordable housing, using funding from the housing trust fund account established under RCW 43.185A.130 or from other legislative appropriations, the department may make competitive grant or loan awards to projects in need of major building improvements, preservation repairs, or system replacements. (2) The department must solicit and review applications and evaluate projects based on the following criteria: (a) The age of the property, with priority given to buildings that are more than 15 years old; (b) The population served, with priority given to projects serving persons or families with the lowest incomes; (c) The degree to which the applicant demonstrates that the improvements will result in a reduction of operating or utility costs, or both; (d) The potential for additional years added to the affordability commitment period of the property; and (e) Other criteria that the department considers necessary to achieve the purpose of the housing trust fund program. (3) The department must require an award recipient to submit a property capital needs assessment, in a form acceptable to the department, prior to contract execution.
Under Wash. Rev. Code § 43.185A.005 et seq. § 43.185A.180, Washington State's Department of Commerce may award competitive grants or loans—drawn from the Housing Trust Fund or other legislative appropriations—to affordable housing properties that need major building improvements, preservation repairs, or system replacements. Applications are evaluated on factors such as building age (with preference for structures over 15 years old), the income levels of residents served, projected reductions in operating or utility costs, and the potential to extend a property's affordability commitment period. Before any contract is finalized, award recipients must submit a property capital needs assessment in a form acceptable to the department.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Affordable housing operators and owners seeking funding for significant repairs or system upgrades should be aware that Wash. Rev. Code § 43.185A.005 et seq. § 43.185A.180 establishes a competitive grant and loan program administered by the Department of Commerce. Compliant applicants typically document the age of their property, the income levels of residents served, anticipated cost savings from proposed improvements, and the potential to extend affordability commitments. Operators who receive an award are generally expected to complete and submit a property capital needs assessment before the department executes a funding contract.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Wash. Rev. Code § 43.185A.005 et seq. § 43.185A.180 establishes a state program that can fund major repairs and system replacements in affordable housing properties, with priority given to buildings serving residents with the lowest incomes. Tenants living in aging or deteriorating affordable housing may benefit indirectly when their landlord successfully applies for these competitive grants or loans, as the program is designed to preserve long-term housing viability. Residents who have concerns about the condition of their affordable housing may wish to contact a local tenant-rights organization or housing counseling agency to learn more about how this program could apply to their building.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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