LIFT (Low-Income Families and Tenants) Program
Up to $6,000 per heat pump (HVAC or water heater) and $1,200 for energy efficiency upgrades (insulation, lighting, etc.) per apartment unit. Includes free assessments and technical assistance.
Income-qualified multifamily properties can receive up to $6,000 per unit for installing heat pump HVAC or heat pump water heaters, plus an additional $1,200 for energy efficiency upgrades like insulation and weatherization.
Guidance
This program provides $1,200 to $7,200 per unit for income-qualified multifamily properties (5+ units) in the Marin Clean Energy (MCE) service territory. Rebates are awarded for replacing existing gas or propane systems with heat pumps, as well as for installing energy efficiency upgrades like insulation and weatherization.
Homeowner Tasks
- Confirm property location
Ensure the multifamily property is located within the Marin Clean Energy (MCE) service territory.
- Verify income eligibility with program administrators
Work with program administrators to verify that the property qualifies as an income-qualified multifamily building (5+ units, such as affordable housing or deed-restricted).
- Complete pre-installation project scoping
Work with program administrators to scope the project and determine planned upgrades prior to starting the installation.
Contractor Tasks
- Confirm existing equipment fuel type
Verify and document that the new heat pump equipment is replacing an existing gas or propane system.
- Document the project scope per unit
Specify whether each unit is receiving energy efficiency upgrades, heat pump installation, or both, as this determines the final rebate amount.
Qualification
- Income-qualified
Properties must have 5+ units. Qualifying properties include deed-restricted affordable housing (3+ years restriction with 50%+ units below market rate) or properties meeting LIFT income requirements (residents meeting 250% FPL guideline). For deed-restricted properties, 65%+ tenants must meet the limit; for market-rate, 80%+ must meet the limit.
- Pre-approval required
- Fuel switching required
Must switch from gas/propane equipment to electric heat pumps.
Not required: energy star certified equipment · ahri matched pair · has income-qualified portion · permit required · contractor enrollment required
Important Dates
- Program runs:
- December 31, 2023
Budget & Availability
- April 27, 2026Funds are available and applications are being accepted.
How to Submit
Property owners must work with program administrators to verify income eligibility and scope the project. Equipment must replace existing gas or propane systems.