What is the Basic Systems Repair Program?
The Basic Systems Repair Program (BSRP) provides free repairs to correct electrical, plumbing, heating, limited structural and carpentry, and roofing emergencies in eligible owner-occupied homes in Philadelphia.
What emergencies are eligble?
You can apply for free major systems repairs if your home’s problems include:
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- Dangerous electrical conditions, such as overheating or sparking wiring or entire circuits that won’t stay on
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- Leaking or broken sewer lines
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- Leaking or broken water service lines
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- Violations from the Water Department, Philadelphia Gas Works, PECO or Philadelphia L&I
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- Roof leaks which have caused a 4 sq. ft. or larger section of ceiling to collapse (Small roof leaks are not considered emergencies)
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- Carpentry repairs to floors and joists and limited repairs to exterior walls.
Who is eligible?
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- Not own any other residential property
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- Own and live in the single-family house with the problem
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- Be current or under current payment agreement for both your property taxes and your water bill
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- Meet the income guidelines
What if my heater needs to be repaired?
The Heater Hotline provides free emergency heater repairs for eligible households. If the Heater Hotline staff determine that your heater needs to be replaced, they will forward your application to BSRP.
How do I apply?
You will need to provide the following information:
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- Source, amount and frequency of income (before taxes) for every member of your household
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- Birthdate, gender, marital status, race and ethnicity for every member of your household
All repairs made by BSRP are in response to emergency situations. To prioritize your repair, you will need to provide:
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- Violation notice from L&I
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- Notice of defect from water department
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- Heater “tag” or PGW notice of defect
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- Clear photos showing a ceiling collapse in a heated living area
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- Photos showing accumulation of sewage in basement from a leak in the main drain line
Income Guidelines
Income is calculated using gross income for all members of the household.
| Family Size | Maximum Annual Household Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $83,600 |
| 2 | $95,550 |
| 3 | $107,500 |
| 4 | $119,400 |
| 5 | $129,000 |
| 6 | $138,550 |
| 7 | $148,100 |
| 8 | $157,650 |
| More than 8, add per person | $9,550 |
Download the Basic Systems Repair flyer in English and Spanish.
Download the Basic Systems Repair flyer in Chinese
