FREE for those who qualify · New Castle County & Wilmington

A healthier, safer home for every generation.

Live in an older home in New Castle County? Renters, homeowners and landlords can get a free home inspection, and lead and home-health hazards fixed at no cost for those who qualify.

Take the 1-minute home check Call 302-395-5318

Free home inspectionEvery age & householdFunded by HUD grants

Neighbors of all ages on a street of Wilmington rowhomes, with a home inspector at work

Older women of different backgrounds laughing while cooking together

Parents laughing and playing with their two young children on the floor

A multigenerational family with a grandfather enjoying a backyard afternoon

A family of four laughing together on their sofa

Home check: YESContact us today

$0inspection and fixes for those who qualify

$8.7Mactive HUD lead hazard reduction grant

Up to 300households this grant can serve

Pre-1978homes, rented or owned, across the County

A mother and child at home, framed by a glowing shield of protection

The inspection is free, and so are the fixes for those who qualify. Take the home check

01Why it matters

Older homes can hide hazards for every age.

Many County homes were built before 1978, when lead-based paint was still used. Age and wear can also bring safety and home-health problems.

Chipped or flaky paintOld paint and dust can contain lead. Young children and pregnancies are most at risk, but the whole household lives with it.

Repairs & safety issuesWorn windows, damaged surfaces and other safety problems matter at every age, including for older adults staying in their homes.

Home-health hazardsHealthy Homes work can address health and safety hazards such as mold and radon in the same home.

Who we help

If any of these sound like your home, contact us.

That’s the County’s own rule of thumb. You don’t have to work out which program fits. Staff match your household to the right one.

Older women laughing together while cooking outdoors

Two moms and two daughters laughing on a picnic blanket

A grandfather, parents and a young child in a sunny backyard

A family with two children and their dog in their living room

Home in New Castle County Including the City of Wilmington.

Built before 1978 Owned or rented, any size of home.

Chipped or flaky paint Inside or out: walls, windows, porches.

Repairs or safety issues Anything that makes the home less safe or healthy.

A child 6 or younger, or a pregnancy Lead is most harmful to young children and pregnancies.

Renting an older home?

You can contact the program as a tenant. The County can inspect your unit for free and works with your landlord on any repairs.

Tenants can reach out directly
Free inspection of your unit
County coordinates with your landlord
No cost if you qualify

Good to know: each program has its own rules. For example, the No-Lead Program serves homes with a child under 6 or a pregnant person, and programs follow HUD income guidelines. Staff review your situation and tell you what you qualify for.

The 1-minute home check

Five questions. One YES is enough to call.

These are the County’s own screening questions. Nothing is saved or sent. Only County staff can confirm eligibility.

0 / 5 ANSWERED

01Is the home in New Castle County (or Wilmington)?

02Was the home built before 1978?

03Does the home have chipped or flaky paint?

04Does it need repairs or have any safety issues?

05Is there a child 6 or younger, or a pregnant person, in the home?

YOUR RESULT Answer the five questions.

Your answers stay on this screen. Your result and next steps appear here.

A family checking information together on a laptop, tablet and phone

How it works

From first call to a safer home.

This is a safety program, not a beautification program. Work may include painting, special cleaning or window replacement.

STEP 01 Reach out Call, visit the office, or send an online inquiry.
STEP 02 Apply Complete and sign the packet with your documents.
STEP 03 Free inspection The County checks for lead and health hazards.
STEP 04 Remediation Hazards are fixed: painting, cleaning or windows.
STEP 05 Clearance Testing confirms the home is safe.

Get application-ready

Have these ready when you call.

A missing document is the most common reason an application stalls. Bring these to the office or have them ready for staff. Don’t upload them here.

Signed application packetCompleted and signed. Call 302-395-5318 to get one.
Photo IDFor the head of household.
Proof of incomeFor every household member over 18.
Proof of age for children under 6Birth certificate or similar, if this applies.

YOUR PACKET

0of 4 ready

Gather the rest before you call. Staff can also explain anything you’re missing.

Call 302-395-5318

Stories & updates

Neighbors making their homes safer.

[Resident-safe success story]

A household’s journey from first call to a safer home. Published only with written consent and County approval, with names and addresses withheld.

DRAFT · PENDING APPROVAL

VIDEO · 60 SEC[Is your home older than 1978?]Captioned explainer for social media and clinic screens.

[MMM]
[DD]

EVENT · APPLICATION HELP[Application support session][Venue], Wilmington. Bring your documents and staff help you finish the packet.

Get reminders and updates

Email or mobile number

For community partners

Help a neighbor hear about it first.

People often hear first from someone they trust. Each partner gets a tracked link, a QR flyer and ready-to-share copy, and can see when a referral is accepted.

Colorful figures of people gathered around a small house

Clinics & pediatriciansSchools & childcareFaith groupsSenior centers & nonprofitsLandlordsHousing partners

1Request your partner referral kit
2Share your link, QR flyer or social post
3See accepted referrals, with consent

Request a referral kit

[PARTNER QR]

FLYER PREVIEW · FOR COUNTY APPROVAL Living in an older home? Free help for a safer, healthier one.

Renters, homeowners and landlords may qualify for free lead and home-health repairs from New Castle County. Scan for the 1-minute home check.

Questions

Straight answers.

Still unsure? HomeSquare Copilot can explain the program using the County’s approved information, then connect you with staff.

Friends and family passing food around a dinner table

How much does it cost?

Both the No-Lead Program and the Healthy Homes Programs are free for those who qualify.

Do I need young children to contact you?

No. If you answer YES to any of the County’s screening questions, contact the program. Some programs have specific rules: for example, the No-Lead Program serves homes with a child under 6 or a pregnant person. Staff will tell you which program fits your household.

I rent. Can I apply?

Yes. Tenants, landlords and owners can apply when the home and household meet the program requirements.

Is this a renovation program?

No. If lead or home-health hazards are found, the home is remediated. That may mean painting, special cleaning or window replacement. It is not a beautification program.

How do I apply?

Call 302-395-5318 for an application, visit the office at 77 Reads Way, New Castle, or send an online inquiry through the County’s program page.

Who decides if I qualify?

New Castle County staff review your application and make the final decision. HomeSquare helps you understand the program and reach the team.

A smiling family forming a roof over their heads with their arms

START TODAY

A safer home for everyone under your roof starts with one call.

Call 302-395-5318 Take the home check

Office: 77 Reads Way, New Castle, DE 19720
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm
Phones: Applications 302-395-5318 · General 302-395-5312