Keys to Community

What is it?

The First Time Homebuyer Program can provide financial assistance* in the form of a second deferred loan to eligible applicants with down payment and closing cost support to secure financing for the purchase of a single-family home, town home or condominium within the city.

Program Highlights:

• Up to $120,000 loan 30-year deferred plan
  • No monthly payments required for 30 years.
• Must complete an 8-hour HUD approved homebuyer course.
• Priority will be offered to those currently residing or employed in Ontario. There will also be consideration for former residents of Ontario.
• Opportunity for equity share and loan forgiveness over the lifespan of loan.
• FTHB assistance can be stacked with Housing Rehabilitation Loan (HRL) and Exterior Beautification Grant (EBG)

HUD Approved Homebuyer Course

A HUD-Approved Homebuyer Education Class is a course designed to educate prospective homebuyers about the process of purchasing and owning a home. These courses are approved by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are typically delivered by HUD-certified housing counselors at HUD-Approved Agencies. 

For more information on the steps to homeownership and finding a HUD approved homebuyer education course, please visit Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services

What is it?

The Keys to Community: Housing Rehabilitation Loan offers up a $30,000 no-interest loans to eligible homeowners and qualified home buyers enabling them to make essential repairs. These repairs are intended to maintain and protect the structural integrity of the home, ensuring long-term livability and safety.

Eligible repairs include:

• Roof repair/replacement
• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Windows
• HVAC
• Fumigation
• Handicap accessibility

Program Highlights

To qualify for the program assistance, both the homeowner and the property must satisfy specific eligibility criteria. Funding is subject to the availability of program funds.

• The applicant's home must be in the city of Ontario and owner-occupied.
• The property must be a single-family detached home, condominium, or town-home.
• This program can be combined with the First Time Homebuyer (FTHB) and Exterior Beautification Grant (EBG) Programs.
• Annual household income must be below the income limits in the table.

What is it?   

The Exterior Beautification Grant program offers up to $10,000 grant dollars to eligible homeowners living in owner-occupied homes, enabling them to make façade repairs to the home. 

Eligible repairs include:

• Painting
• Siding
• Landscaping
• Irrigation
• Removal of front yard street facing fencing or walls to beautify front yard and neighborhood.

Program Highlights

To qualify for the program assistance, both the homeowner and the property must satisfy specific eligibility criteria. Funding is subject to the availability of program funds.

• The applicant's home must be in the city of Ontario and owner-occupied.
• The property must be a single-family detached home, condominium, or town-home.
• This program can be combined with the First-Time Homebuyer (FTHB) and Housing Rehabilitation Loan (HRL).
• Annual household income must be below the income limits in the table.

The City has established its list of pre-approved lenders. This list will continue to grow as additional lenders express their interest in participating in the program. Please select a lender from the provided list and contact them to begin working on securing your primary mortgage. These approved lenders can walk you through the program guidelines and the application process.

For any additional information regarding the programs or becoming an approved lender for the FTHB program, please send us an email at: KeysToCommunity@OntarioCA.gov

The following are the maximum allowable income limits for the Keys to Community Program as Published by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and State Department of Housing and Community Development. All people living in the property who are at least 18 years old, must have their income evaluated in determining household income. 

Note: Income limits are subject to change annually. Please contact the Housing Services staff for the most recent Income limits.

The applicant’s annual gross household income must be at or below the following limits: