DwellSmart: South Carolina's Home Repair Program for Owners and Renters

What DwellSmart Does

DwellSmart is South Carolina's home repair and improvement program run by the Department of Commerce. It provides grants and low-interest loans to homeowners and renters for repairs that affect health, safety, or basic living conditions. The program targets households below certain income thresholds and prioritizes work like roof replacement, foundation repair, electrical and plumbing fixes, heating and cooling systems, and accessibility modifications.

Unlike programs that require you to find contractors first, DwellSmart works with a network of pre-screened contractors across the state. You describe what needs fixing, the program assesses the work, and approved contractors complete the job. Renters can also participate when repairs are necessary and the landlord consents in writing.

Key Takeaways

• DwellSmart covers repairs that affect safety and habitability, including roofing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and accessibility work, but not cosmetic improvements or new construction.
• Household income limits vary by county and family size, but generally range from around $35,000 to $60,000 annually for homeowners.
• The program offers both grants (which do not require repayment) and low-interest loans, depending on your income level and the repair cost.
• You contact your local DwellSmart office or the state office to start; they handle contractor selection and project oversight rather than you finding your own contractor.
• Renters can participate if the landlord agrees in writing and the repair is necessary for safe, habitable housing.

Income Limits and Who Can Participate

DwellSmart serves households at or below 80 percent of the area median income, though the exact threshold depends on your county and family size. A single person in one county might have a different limit than a family of four in another. The program prioritizes very low-income households (at or below 50 percent of area median income) for grant funding; households above that level may receive loans instead.

To participate, you must own or rent the property in South Carolina, live there as your primary residence, and have a clear or insurable title to the home (for owners). Renters need written permission from the landlord. The property itself must be structurally sound enough to warrant repair—the program will not fund work on homes deemed beyond reasonable repair.

Types of Repairs DwellSmart Covers

DwellSmart focuses on repairs that directly affect safety, health, or basic habitability. Common projects include roof replacement or repair, foundation work, electrical system upgrades or repairs, plumbing fixes, water heater replacement, HVAC installation or repair, and weatherization (insulation, windows, doors). The program also funds accessibility modifications such as ramps, grab bars, and bathroom adaptations for elderly or disabled household members.

The program does not cover cosmetic work, new construction, additions, or luxury upgrades. It also does not pay for repairs already completed before DwellSmart approval. If you have already hired a contractor and paid out of pocket, you cannot retroactively receive DwellSmart funding for that work.

How to Start and What to Expect

Contact your county's DwellSmart office or the state office at the Department of Commerce to begin. You will describe the repairs needed and provide basic household information, including income documentation. The program will schedule an inspection to assess the work and determine the scope of the project.

Once approved, DwellSmart connects you with a pre-screened contractor from its network. You do not select the contractor yourself; the program manages this step to ensure quality and fair pricing. The contractor provides a detailed estimate, which DwellSmart reviews. If you are receiving a grant, there is no cost to you. If you are receiving a loan, you will sign loan documents and agree to repayment terms, typically at a below-market interest rate.

Work begins once all paperwork is complete. DwellSmart monitors the project to ensure the contractor follows the approved scope and maintains quality standards. The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the repair and contractor availability, but most projects take several weeks to a few months from approval to completion.

Grants Versus Loans

DwellSmart offers both grants and loans, and which one you receive depends on your income level and the cost of the repair. Grants do not require repayment and are prioritized for the lowest-income households. Loans carry a below-market interest rate and flexible repayment terms designed to be manageable for low-income borrowers.

The program may also combine a grant and a loan if the repair cost exceeds the grant amount available. For example, a household might receive a $5,000 grant toward a $12,000 roof replacement and a low-interest loan for the remaining $7,000. Ask your local DwellSmart office what combination of funding you may receive based on your situation.

Renters and DwellSmart

Renters can participate in DwellSmart if the landlord agrees in writing and the repair is necessary for safe, habitable housing. The landlord must consent to the work and allow DwellSmart contractors access to the property. The funding goes to the landlord or directly to the contractor; the renter does not receive money.

This arrangement protects renters by ensuring necessary repairs happen without the renter bearing the cost. However, it requires the landlord's cooperation. If your landlord refuses to participate or denies access, you may have other options through South Carolina's tenant rights resources or local housing authorities, but DwellSmart itself cannot proceed without landlord consent.

Finding Your Local DwellSmart Office

DwellSmart operates through county-based offices across South Carolina. The easiest way to find yours is to contact the South Carolina Department of Commerce directly or search the state website for "DwellSmart" plus your county name. Each office has its own phone number and may have slightly different hours or application processes, so calling ahead is worth the time.

If you have trouble locating your county office, the state office can direct you. They can also answer questions about income limits specific to your county, what repairs are covered, and what documents you will need to bring when you contact your local office.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my repair costs more than DwellSmart can fund?

DwellSmart will fund the repair up to the program's limits for your situation. If the cost exceeds that amount, you may be responsible for the difference, or the program may recommend a scaled-back version of the repair that addresses the safety issue. Discuss options with your local office before the contractor begins work.

Can I choose my own contractor?

No. DwellSmart selects from its network of pre-screened contractors to ensure quality and fair pricing. This protects you from inflated bids and poor workmanship. If you have concerns about the contractor assigned, discuss them with your local DwellSmart office.

How long does the whole process take?

From initial contact to project completion typically takes two to four months, depending on the complexity of the repair and contractor availability. Simple repairs may move faster; major work like roof replacement or foundation repair may take longer. Your local office can give you a more specific timeline based on your project.

What happens if I sell my house while I have a DwellSmart loan?

The loan balance typically becomes due when you sell the property. Some DwellSmart loans are secured by a lien on the home, meaning the lender must be paid from the sale proceeds. Discuss this with your local office before taking out a loan so you understand the terms.

Can I use DwellSmart if I am behind on property taxes or mortgage payments?

This varies by situation. Contact your local DwellSmart office to discuss your circumstances. Some programs can work with borrowers who have tax or mortgage arrears, while others may require those to be resolved first. Honesty about your financial situation helps the office find the best path forward.