Vacant Rental Program (VRP)
We’re thrilled to share that the North Country Rural Development Coalition (NRDC) and the Essex County Land Bank have been jointly awarded $2 million through New York State’s Vacant Rental Program (VRP) to help address the region’s urgent housing needs.
This funding will support the rehabilitation of vacant and underutilized rental units across Essex, Warren and Washington County, transforming them into high-quality, code-compliant homes for working families, essential employees, and residents earning between 60-80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
The VRP provides $50,000–$75,000 per unit, with priority given to downtown apartments, mixed-use buildings, and multi-unit residential properties that are currently vacant and in need of repair. Projects must result in safe, habitable long-term rental housing that meets all building code requirements.
We are planning to apply for additional VRP funding in the next round, and interest from property owners continues to grow. If you have a property that may be eligible, we encourage you to join the waitlist below for consideration in upcoming rounds.
Eligibility Overview
Property must contain at minimum 1 vacant rental unit or maximum 5 vacant rental units requiring substantial rehabilitation
Must be located in Essex, Warren or Washington County, with a focus on downtown or high-impact areas
Final units must meet code and rental standards, with long-term leases preferred
Must be willing to rent to individuals and families at or below 60-80% AMI
Join the Waitlist
If you own a qualifying property and are interested in being considered for current or future funding, please complete the application below.