Home Modification Loan Program

Over the past 20 years, the Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP) has helped over 3,000 households finance home accessibility improvements to make it possible for individuals with disabilities and older adults to remain in their own homes and communities.

Step by Step: The Home Modification Loan Program

For more information, please call Susan Gillam at 1-866-500-5599.

Established by the Massachusetts Legislature in 1999, HMLP is a state funded loan program that provides financing to homeowners and small landlords for necessary home modifications such as:

Ramps and lifts
Kitchen and bathroom adaptations
Sensory integration spaces
Fencing
Hand rails
Brighter lighting
Widening of doorways
Flooring renovations
Creation of additional living space, including accessory dwelling units or in-law apartments

Loan Information

Loans up to $50,000 for property owners and $30,000 for owners of manufactured or mobile homes
0% interest rate
No monthly payments required
Repayment is required when the property is sold or transferred
Landlords with fewer than 10 units may be eligible for a 3% interest rate loan for a tenant

Find out if you qualify

How to Apply

Click here to see our program materials in alternative formats and languages.

1. Learn More About HMLP

Review the HMLP brochure to learn more about the program’s eligibility requirements. Download a list of the regional agencies, who assist applicants throughout the process, or enter your city or town below to be directed to the agency working with applicants in your community. Program information is also available in multiple languages.

HMLP Brochure (English) »
HMLP Provider Agencies »

Find Your HMLP Regional Provider
Select Your City

2. Complete the HMLP Application

Download the HMLP Frequently-Asked-Questions and Application. Complete and submit the necessary application.

Communities Served by Providers »
HMLP FAQs & Application (English) »

Find Your HMLP Regional Provider
Select Your City

3. Identify a Qualified General Contractor

Applicants are responsible for finding, hiring and managing their chosen contractor. Although the program does not recommend specific contractors, if assistance is needed applicants can contact their regional provider.

HMLP Contractor FAQ (English) »
HMLP Bid Form »
Office of Consumer Affairs Guide to Home Improvement »

4. Loan Closing

Once the HMLP Application is complete, including the completed bid form by the chosen contractor, a program construction monitor will conduct an inspection with the homeowner and contractor. Next the applicant reviews and signs the loan documents.

Application Checklist »
Loan Terms (English) »

5. Construction Begins

Once the mortgage is recorded, project funds can be requested by the homeowner. Loan funds are disbursed in increments based on invoices submitted throughout the modification project.

Borrower Testimonials

Arnold Family

Project: Accessible Bathroom and first floor bedroom

HMLP Provider: Valley Community Development, Northampton

Jenny Arnold, a mother of two, was searching for a way to make modifications that would aid her nine-year-old daughter Jordan, who has, to get around. After learning about the Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP), her family drew up a modification plan that would that had a toilet and shower she could grow into. As Jordan continues her journey, her development will be buoyed not only by her home enhancements, but also the loving support of her family and community.

HMLP made a $50,000 loan which allowed this family to convert one of their home’s living rooms into a first-floor space for her daughter, complete with a bedroom and a bathroom. Jordan, Joel and Jenny’s daughter, is 9 years old and has Spinal Muscular Atrophy, using a wheelchair to navigate her world. The modifications done have not only improved Jordan’s maneuverability around the home, but it has increased her confidence and independence. The family worked with Valley Community Development Corporation, the HMLP Provider serving most communities in Hampden and Hampshire counties. Learn more about the Arnold family’s story in the video above.

Taylor’s Place, Haverhill

Tina Magilio and Shawn worked with Community Teamwork, Inc., and obtained a $50,000 HMLP loan to create a separate living space or attached accessory dwelling unit in their basement for Taylor. Taylor is 26 years old and has multiple disabilities, this separate living space gives Taylor the ability to strengthen her life skills and create a space that is uniquely hers.

Ready to Start the HMLP Application?

Watch this video to learn tips and suggestions about completing the application. The helpful hints come directly from the HMLP regional staff, who have assisted so many households successfully complete the process.

We do suggest you review the HMLP Application & Frequently Asked Questions as the first step. You can find this document here.

Click Here for Video Transcript

Did you know that, in certain circumstances, the Home Modification Loan Program could provide you a loan to help construct an Accessory Dwelling Unit or ADU?

Many HMLP applicants apply to the program for projects like installing a ramp, stair-lift, or walk-in shower, or for a sensory integration space, fencing or a hard-wired alert system for greater safety.

But if you’re considering adding to your property and constructing an Accessory Dwelling Unit or ADU for a family member or caregiver, watch this video to learn more about how the Home Modification Loan Program could help you make this possible. Click Here for Video Transcript

HMLP Funded ADU or Accessory Dwelling Unit, Cape Cod

This family obtained an HMLP loan in 2020 to construct an ADU or Accessory Dwelling unit on their property for their adult son with a mental health diagnosis. One of the biggest challenges he has faced throughout his adult life has been the stability of his housing. The parents and son designed and built this separate home, providing much needed independence and privacy and with peace of mind in knowing their son has a stable, safe place to live, reducing their own stress. Click Here for Video Transcript

Curb-free Shower, Shrewsbury

John and Rebecca Wohlleib live in Shrewsbury. John is the primary caregiver for his wife Rebecca, who has advanced dementia and, as a result, has significant mobility impairments. John worked with the HMLP provider agency, RCAP Solutions, to secure a $32,305 HMLP loan to fund a curb-free shower in the existing half-bath on the first floor, so that Rebecca can comfortably live on the first floor of their 2-story home. With these modifications, John is better able to care for his wife, reducing some of the challenges of caregiving and ensuring Rebecca has a higher quality of life. Click Here for Video Transcript

Studio Apartment Conversion, Fitchburg

HMLP helped the DeRosa/Silva Family to modify their home to create a studio apartment with an accessible bathroom and entrance for their daughter Valeria, who has Cerebral Palsy and uses a wheelchair for mobility.

Accessible Entrance, Southampton

Ruth and Leonard Perrault learned about HMLP from the staff at the rehabilitation facility where Ruth was recovering from a recent amputation surgery. HMLP allowed them to completely remodel the existing bathroom and entrance to their home so it is wheelchair accessible. They describe the impact of these modifications as allowing Ruth to “feel less dependent on others” and has “significantly improved her spirits and outlook on life since the operation”.

Bathroom Adaptation, Sandwich

The Dykeman family took out a HMLP loan for their son, John with Muscular Dystrophy, to better access his familiar surroundings. The modifications included reconfiguration of their downstairs space for better wheelchair accessibility. The family also transformed John’s living area to help meet his future needs and create a more independent space, with an accessible bathroom with a curbless shower, along with laminate flooring for ease of clean-up and additional storage and space for other medical equipment.