Owning a home comes with repairs, bills, and taxes. Help is available. This page lists free and low-cost programs in Asheville and Buncombe County for home repairs, energy costs, and property taxes, plus resources for landlords.
Home repair help
Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity: Home Repair
Free repairs such as roofs, heating and cooling, plumbing, electrical, and accessibility changes. You must have owned and lived in the home for at least a year in Buncombe or Madison County, with household income below 80% of the area median.
Mountain Housing Opportunities: Emergency Home Repair
Urgent repairs that threaten health or safety for lower-income Buncombe County homeowners who are 62+, receive disability benefits, are single parents, or have three or more children.
Still have Helene damage?
Free storm repairs for qualifying homeowners and free legal help with insurance and FEMA problems.
Find a contractor
Local contractors, inspectors, and home service businesses who are Allied Members of LOTSAR.
Lower your energy bills
Weatherization: Community Action Opportunities
Free insulation, air sealing, ventilation, safety detectors, and some appliance replacement for households at or below 200% of the federal income guidelines. Priority goes to seniors, people with disabilities, families with young children, and households with high energy costs.
Help with power and heating bills
Eblen Charities helps income-qualified households with electric, gas, oil, wood, and propane costs, including past-due bills. Dial 211 to find other energy assistance that is open now.
eblencharities.org · Dial 211
Property tax relief
Buncombe County senior, disability, and veteran tax relief
Three programs can lower or defer property taxes on your home:
- Elderly or disabled exclusion: for homeowners 65+ or totally and permanently disabled, with household income under the state limit. It removes the greater of $25,000 or 50% of the home’s value from taxes.
- Circuit breaker deferment: lets qualifying seniors and disabled homeowners defer part of their taxes.
- Disabled veteran exclusion: for veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability, and their unremarried surviving spouses.
Apply by June 1 for the year you want relief.
Health and safety
Test your home for radon
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can build up to dangerous levels indoors. The state recommends testing every home, and the NC Radon Program explains how.
For landlords and property owners
List your rental for free
NCHousingSearch.org lets landlords list rental properties free of charge and reach renters looking for affordable homes.
Common homeowner questions
I’m a senior on a fixed income. Can I get help with property taxes?
Possibly. If you’re 65 or older (or totally and permanently disabled) and your household income is under the state limit, you may qualify for a property tax exclusion. Call the Buncombe County tax office at 828-250-4915 and apply before June 1.
My roof is leaking and I can’t afford to fix it. Where do I start?
Call Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity (828-251-5702) about their home repair program. If you’re 62+, disabled, or a single parent, also contact Mountain Housing Opportunities about emergency repairs. If the damage is from Hurricane Helene, see our Helene recovery page.
How do I find a reliable contractor?
The LOTSAR Business Directory lists local contractors and home service businesses that are Allied Members of the association. For repairs you can’t afford, contact Habitat for Humanity or Mountain Housing Opportunities.
Talk to the experts in person
Free Asheville Housing Fair · Saturday, November 7, 2026 · 11 a.m.–2 p.m. · 21 Restaurant Court
Last reviewed October 2026. Program rules, income limits, and phone numbers change, so contact each organization to confirm.