Home Improvement Program

Scotch Plains Township Home Improvement Program (HIP) assists houses occupied by very low, low and moderate-income households by providing up to $22,000 as a forgivable loan for needed home repairs or replacements of major systems in conformity with the N.J. Rehabilitation Subcode N.J.A.C. 5:23-6.

Program forgivable loans are 0% interest, no monthly payment and forgiven after 10 years if the property owner complies with the program guidelines. Funding is also available for rental properties. This program is required as part of the Township’s Affordable Housing Settlement and Housing Element & Fair Share Plan. The program’s funding source will be affordable housing trust fund dollars paid by developers. HIP is a Township wide program for Scotch Plains residents.

Both owner-occupied and renter-occupied housing units are eligible to receive funding for rehabilitation provided that the occupants of the units meet court-approved income limits and the units are determined to be substandard and for primary residency only. Eligible uses of funds include, but not limited to, roofs, foundations, heating, electrical, windows, insulation, plumbing, and more.

The Township’s Administrative Agent, Community Grants, Planning & Housing LLC (CGP&H), a private consulting firm specializing in the implementation of publicly-funded housing rehabilitation programs, will manage and administer the HIP.

The program processes applicants on a first-come, first served basis. To learn more, including the income limits and to submit a preliminary application, please visit https://hip.cgph.net/scotch-plains-home-improvement-program/ or call (609) 664-2781.

General contractors can apply to register to receive free bid notices for program construction opportunities. Please visit https://hip.cgph.net/new-jersey/, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (609) 664-2783.

For additional questions about the Township’s Home Improvement Program and affordable housing obligation, contact Tom Strowe, Municipal Housing Liaison at (908) 322-6700 ext. 317 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

On January 5, 2021, the Scotch Plains Township Council established an ad hoc committee named the "Affordable Housing Advisory Committee," whose objective is to mediate issues that may arise under the Scotch Plains Home Improvement Program if a homeowner or contractor initiates an appeal. The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee shall meet when an appeal related to the Scotch Plains Home Improvement Program is filed with the date, time, and location to be set by the ad hoc committee.