The City of Wausau offers low-interest installment loans to support landlords in rehabilitating rental properties within city limits. This program promotes affordable housing, improves housing quality, and strengthens neighborhood stability through property improvements.
Funding may be used for eligible repairs and upgrades that enhance safety, preserve affordability, and maintain property standards. Income limits and landlord participation requirements apply. Funding is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Current Borrowers
If you have an active Rental Rehabilitation Loan with us, you can access your account on a borrower portal to view your balance and loan details. First-time users will need to register. This is a new program, and additional features will be added over time. Please continue using the portal as new functionality becomes available. Borrower Portal - Log In
Program Overview
This program provides a 2% interest loan to landlords for the renovation of rental units, with a maximum loan amount of $14,999 per unit. To qualify, the property must be vacant, or if occupied, current tenants must be income-qualified and must currently charge rents at or below the HUD Fair Market Rent levels established annually. Upon completion of the rehabilitation, Landlords will be required to continue to make their properties available to income qualified households and charge rents at or below the HUD Fair Market Rent levels for 5 years. The loan will be secured by a recorded mortgage and assignment of rents. Units will be recertified annually to verify that tenants remain income-qualified and that rents continue to comply with HUD Fair Market Rent guidelines.
Income Limits
Tenants residing in your rental property must have an annual household gross income at or below the limit listed for their household size. The table below reflects the HUD income limits effective June 1, 2026.
| Household Size | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $43,560 |
| 2 | $49,740 |
| 3 | $55,980 |
| 4 | $62,160 |
| 5 | $67,140 |
| 6 | $72,120 |
| 7 | $77,100 |
| 8 | $82,080 |
Fair Market Rents
Upon completion of rehabilitation, the Landlord must charge Fair Market Rents as established by HUD, for 5 years. The table below reflects the current HUD affordable rent limits effective June 1, 2026.
| Year | Efficiency | 1 Bdrm. | 2 Bdrm. | 3 Bdrm. | 4 Bdrm. |
| 2026 | $791 | $889 | $1,147 | $1,511 | $1,519 |
How to Apply
Interested applicants must complete a Rental Rehabilitation Program Application and submit it along with the required documentation listed below to:
City of Wausau - Development Department
Attn: Rental Rehabilitation
407 Grant Street, Wausau, WI 54403
Email: wausaudevelopment@wausauwi.gov | Fax: 715-261-4692
Required Documents
The following documentation must accompany your application:
- Copy of deed
- Most recent property tax bill
- Property cash flow
- Proof of insurance
- Verification of current mortgage balance
- Completed Tenant Certifications for each occupied unit
For full program details, view our Rental Rehabilitation Program Guidelines. If you have any questions, please email Wausau Development or call 715-261-6680.