GRRP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (“GRRP”) provides loan or grant funding to support projects that reduce carbon emissions; improve utility efficiency; implement the use of renewable energy generation; enhance indoor air quality; or improve the climate resilience of eligible HUD-assisted multifamily properties. We have compiled a list to answer some basic questions about the program. The full list of questions is also available here, or access the button below to submit a question not listed.
ASK US A QUESTION |
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What is the goal of GRRP? (5/11/2023)
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Who is eligible for GRRP funding? (5/11/2023)
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Why are there three GRRP “cohorts”? How do I determine which one I should apply for? (5/11/2023)
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Can I submit an application for multiple properties that I plan to manage and finance together? (5/11/2023)
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Are properties that have converted under RAD or plan to convert under RAD eligible for GRRP? (5/11/2023)
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I see that the GRRP award amount is capped. What if the project needs more funding? (5/11/2023)
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What are some ways I can engage tenants in rehab planning? (5/11/2023)
Question | Answer |
CATEGORY: GENERAL | |
What is the goal of GRRP? (5/11/2023)
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GRRP was created and designed to improve the quality, health, safety, and comfort of HUD-assisted multifamily housing for its residents, while reducing the greenhouse gas emissions produced by HUD’s assisted portfolio. GRRP provides funds to invest in utility efficiency, renewable energy generation, green and healthy housing, and efforts to make homes that serve the lowest-income Americans and a disproportionate number of older adults and persons with disabilities – who often live in communities particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change – more resilient against extreme weather events. HUD expects properties participating in GRRP, to the greatest extent feasible, to:
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CATEGORY: APPLICATION | |
In general, eligibility is focused on properties assisted under the Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) program, including properties that converted under the RAD Program prior to September 30, 2021; the Section 202 Housing for the Elderly program; the Section 811 Housing for Persons with Disabilities program; or the Section 236 program. For complete information on eligibility, please see the Notices of Funding Opportunity on hud.gov/grrp. |
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Why are there three GRRP “cohorts”? How do I determine which one I should apply for? (5/11/2023) |
HUD has developed three paths or “cohorts” for owners to participate in GRRP so that the funds could be broadly accessible to as many eligible owners as possible:
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Can I submit an application for multiple properties that I plan to manage and finance together? (5/11/2023) |
Each application should reference only one HUD-recognized property in iREMS. Multiple buildings that operate under a single iREMS number should be submitted as a single application. An owner proposing to combine two iREMS properties that will be financed and managed as a single project in the future must submit separate GRRP applications for each iREMS property. If both projects are selected, the owner can proceed with their plans to pursue both properties under a single financing plan. If only one property is selected, the owner can proceed with its plans to pursue both properties under a single financing plan, but with a GRRP award sized only for the awarded property. Alternatively, the owner could modify their plans and finance the one awarded property on its own. |
What if I'm not able to benchmark in Portfolio Manager because my utility company won't provide utility consumption data? (5/11/2023) |
Many utility providers either provide whole building, aggregated consumption data upon request or will release unit-by-unit consumption data upon receipt of signed tenant release forms. Owners are encouraged to contact their utility provider to inquire about these options. However, some owners may be unable to acquire sufficient data to benchmark in Portfolio Manager. To apply to the Comprehensive cohort, owners may choose to submit a completed Multifamily Building Efficiency Screen Tool (MBEST) instead. You can find the both the MBEST tool and an instructional video on how to complete it on hud.gov/grrp. |
Which cohort would I apply to if my proposed work is substantial enough for a Comprehensive-sized award, but I do not need HUD-contractor assistance? (5/11/2023) |
Owners interested in large-scale retrofits with a development team already in place who do not otherwise need contractor support may be interested in the Leading Edge cohort. While the Leading Edge NOFO is designed for owners with a capable development team and a vision for achieving an advanced green certification, such an owner could still utilize the Comprehensive NOFO. Comprehensive participants may submit their own reports (e.g. Capital Needs Assessment) and, if deemed to meet HUD’s standards, these existing reports can be used for the property’s assessment suite in lieu of HUD-commissioned reports. HUD’s Multifamily Assistance Contractor (MAC) will work with the owner to review existing reports and conduct any additional assessments needed to satisfy the requirements of the GRRP Notice. Following the assessment suite, the HUD-provided contractor will work with the owner to develop the scope of work for the property and ensure it addresses all items found in the Assessment Suite, and that scope of work and the transaction plan are complete and acceptable to HUD. |
Are properties that have converted under RAD or plan to convert under RAD eligible for GRRP? (5/11/2023) |
See Section IIIA.1 of the GRRP NOFOs. Only Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) PBRA Contracts executed on or before September 30, 2021 are eligible for GRRP. RAD PBV contracts and public housing projects in the process of converting under are not eligible for GRRP. Projects that are assisted by a 202 PRAC are eligible for GRRP, but cannot convert under RAD until after the GRRP Award has closed. |
CATEGORY: AWARD/POST AWARD | |
What is the difference between a surplus cash loan and a grant and can applicants switch between forms later on? (5/11/2023) |
Owners applying for GRRP can choose between requesting their award either as a surplus cash loan or as a grant. The owner’s decision does not impact the selection and award determination, and owners may have the option to switch from the selection made in the GRRP application with the approval of HUD. GRRP Grants will require a minimum 25 year affordability period and will not be required to be repaid. Some owners, particularly those assisted under Section 202 or Section 811 PRACs may be required to take grants to comply with other rules governing their HUD assistance (e.g. that PRAC funds cannot be used to pay debt service). GRRP Surplus Cash Loans will require a minimum 15 year affordability period and will be repaid from 25% of Surplus Cash (Elements Awards) or 50% of Surplus Cash (Leading Edge and Comprehensive Awards). Some owners may prefer the Surplus Cash Loans for the shorter affordability period and to avoid tax and compliance implications of grants. Owners should consult with tax and other professionals to determine which form of award should be selected in the application. |
I see that the GRRP award amount is capped. What if the project needs more funding? (5/11/2023) |
GRRP was designed to maximize the impacts of the funds provided in the Inflation Reduction Act and reach the greatest number of properties and resident homes. To this end, GRRP grant and loan amounts have been sized to cover the anticipated costs of making the green and resilient improvements, while recognizing that retrofits of a property often involve the replacement of other standard lifecycle building systems and components that owners would finance. HUD expects that some projects have greater property needs than GRRP can cover. Owners are encouraged to use other funds including mortgage proceeds, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, state and local funds, and reserves other available funds to finance the overall project scope. |
What are some ways I can engage tenants in rehab planning? (5/11/2023) |
Owners are encouraged to engage tenants throughout the planning and retrofit processes. At a minimum, owners must provide written notifications to residents about property selection and retrofit activities. All owners must also hold resident meetings, though requirements differ by cohort. As you plan your scope of work, we recommend consulting closely with the property management agent to understand and address frequent sources of tenant complaints or areas of high utility use. Please refer to Housing Notice H 2023-05 section 8 for more information about resident engagement. |
The full list of FAQs are available in a Microsoft Word document here.