Ontario County says it is turning the tide on housing vacancies with a $2 million share of New York State’s $40 million Vacant Rental Improvement Program. This initiative, announced earlier this month by Governor Kathy Hochul, aims to rehabilitate uninhabitable apartments, addressing safety concerns and restoring them as affordable housing options for low- and moderate-income residents.
“This funding empowers us to address vacancy while creating safe, quality housing for residents,” said Ontario County’s Director of Economic Development, Ryan Davis. “Vacant properties aren’t just empty homes—they’re untapped opportunities to strengthen our community and support families in need.”
Long-term unoccupied units remain a pressing concern in Ontario County. Despite a housing shortage, the county’s housing stock includes underutilized and distressed properties, which
contribute to neighborhood decline and the housing crisis. Key findings from the Ontario County Housing Needs Assessment include:
- Extremely Low Vacancy in Rental Housing: Vacancy rates in multifamily rental complexes are critically low, increasing competition for existing units and driving up rents. This highlights the untapped potential of restoring vacant properties to meet rental demand.
● Aging Housing Stock: Over 53% of homes in Ontario County were built before 1970, leading to increased maintenance costs and a higher likelihood of units falling into disrepair or becoming uninhabitable.
● Impact of Vacancy on Housing Affordability: As demand outpaces supply, particularly in affordable and workforce housing categories, the lack of available rental options exacerbates the housing crisis for lower-income residents. Restoring vacant homes can help mitigate these shortages.
Leveraging State Funding to Combat Vacancy
Ontario County’s $2 million allocation will target vacant apartments requiring substantial renovations, such as code violation repairs and accessibility upgrades. Each rehabilitated unit will be affordable to households earning up to 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), with additional support for those earning 60% of AMI.
Ontario County’s housing crisis extends beyond vacancy to affordability and demand. With over 43.2% of renters and 16.5% of homeowners spending more than 30% of their income on
housing, addressing vacancy is just one step toward a comprehensive solution.
Next Steps
The Ontario County Economic Development Corporation will oversee program delivery. To ensure effective implementation, OCEDC will hire two consultants to assist with managing and rolling out the initiative. Once these consultants are on board, the county will host multiple property owner sign-up meetings to engage landlords with eligible properties.
In addition, there will be an open call for qualified contractors to execute rehabilitation projects. The goal is to begin the process of qualifying housing units and contracting with property
owners by early January 2025.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed and participate as the program unfolds. For updates on Ontario County’s housing initiatives, including meeting schedules and contractor opportunities, visit www.ontariocountyny.gov.
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