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San Pablo Residential Rehabilitation Loan

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San Pablo City Limit


About the Program

The Residential Rehabilitation Loan Program (REFRESH) is part of San Pablo's SPLASH initiative to improve living conditions by addressing deferred maintenance, mobility/ADA accommodations, and promoting sustainable home practices. It offers deferred loans of up to $40,000 at 5% simple interest, with a loan term of up to 30 years, for eligible low-income homeowners in San Pablo. 

Program Highlights

  • Loan Type: The loans made through the SPLASH Program will be deferred payment (also known as “silent second”) loans. The loans are due in full upon circumstances that include the sale, lease, or transfer of the home rehabilitated using a Program loan or failure of the Borrower to occupy the home as the Borrower’s primary residence
  • Loan Amount: Up to a maximum of $40,000. 
  • Loan Interest: Five percent (5%) per annum simple interest.
  • Loan Length/Term: Up to 30 years
  • Borrower Contribution: Borrower must provide a minimum contribution of five percent (5%) of the contract amount for the rehabilitation work.
  • Property Eligibility: Homes must be insured and located within the Incorporated City of San Pablo and may be a single family home, condominium or townhome. Multi-family properties or manufactured homes are not eligible.
  • Use of Funds: Program loan funds may only be used to pay the contract amount of the rehabilitation work.

Qualifying Criteria

  • Homeownership: The borrower must currently own and occupy a home in the City of San Pablo. The borrower must agree to continuously occupy the property as their principal residence.
  • Income Eligibility: Total gross household (all individuals age 18 or older) income must not exceed 80% of Area Median Income.
  • Good Standing: The borrower must be in good standing with the City and County (e.g., no outstanding overdue property taxes, no unresolved unpermitted work citations, etc.).
  • Use of Funds: Loan is for deferred maintenance items and/or to alleviate significant health and safety issues
  • Home Insurance: Home must be insured.
  • Credit Score: The borrower must have a minimum FICO credit rating of 620 points from all three credit agencies.

Contra Costa County Income Limits

Project Implementation & Payments

  • Submit Rehabilitation Contract

    • The Borrower must provide a signed proposal from a licensed contractor who holds a valid City of San Pablo business license and satisfactory insurance.
    • The contract must include provisions for progress payments aligned with the City's permitting and completion process.
    • Reference checks on the contractor are the responsibility of the Borrower.

  • Contract Approval

    • The signed contract must be submitted to the Program Administrator for approval to ensure it aligns with program guidelines.
    • Contracts requiring more than a 10% deposit from the Borrower are not acceptable.

  • Progress Payments Schedule

    • Payments from the loan will be disbursed as follows:
      • 10%: Upon evidence that the contractor has submitted plans to City Plan Check.
      • 20%: Upon the contractor pulling permits, with copies provided to the Program Administrator.
      • 60%: After the rehabilitation work passes City inspection, with inspection documentation submitted to the Program Administrator.
      • Final 10%: Upon completion of all punch list items and the contractor signing the Notice of Completion (NOC).

  • Finalization

    • A 10% reserve is held until the punch list is completed and the contractor certifies responsibility for paying subcontractors within 30 days.
    • The City, Homeowner, and Program Administrator have no liability for subcontractor payments.