It's become even more affordable to get money for lead-based paint control items for housing rehabilitations in Sharon, and officials are hoping it encourages people to apply for loans.

Guidelines for the lead-based paint control loan changed in December, said Rosette Fisher, community development director. The money now is a grant from the city to the homeowner that doesn't have to be paid back, Mrs. Fisher said.

In the past a lien was put on the property for five years.

Federal law requires lead-based paint control measures to be taken when work is being done on a home.

A no-interest loan of $5,000 that can be paid back over 20 years is required in order to get the lead-based paint grant, Mrs. Fisher said.

Marrianne Maurice, rehab housing specialist for the city, said the biggest part of getting the loan is meeting the requirements.

The basic requirements are that the property taxes and all city fees be current, that the house be insured and that the family meet the income guidelines for the size of the family, Mrs. Maurice said.

The income guideline starts at $23,000 for a single-person family and it increases with family size, she said.

A loan review committee also helps to make a final determination on who is awarded a loan, she said.

"A lot of people don't know the loan is available," Mrs. Maurice said.

Mrs. Fisher said she's surprised more people aren't applying for the loans. "It's a good program," she said.

People who have received loans in the past can re-apply for a new loan after a certain amount of time or be put on the waiting list, Mrs. Maurice said.

The loan can be used for home improvements such as new doors, windows, electrical work or kitchen cabinets. The money cannot be used to put an addition on a home or make improvements to buildings other than the home, like a garage, Mrs. Fisher said.

Sharon residents with questions about the housing rehabilitation loan program can call Marrianne Maurice at (724) 983-3230 ext. 331.