Page last updated on December 30, 2025 at 4:24 pm
The mission of the Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND) Department:
To enhance the quality of life for Bloomington residents by developing programs, services, and partnerships to preserve community character, promote affordable housing and encourage neighborhood vitality.
Services include
- Housing programs
- Community development
- Municipal code enforcement
- Historic preservation
- Neighborhood services
On any given day you may find a HAND employee inspecting an attic in a residential rental property, sitting in an office advising a prospective homeowner, or rolling up their sleeves to help with a neighborhood cleanup.
HAND-supported Board and Commissions
HAND staff support one board and two commissions. These bodies advise the Mayor and City Council by providing input on the policies that shape City government. Members are made up of residents appointed by either the Mayor or the City Council.
- Board of Housing Quality Appeals (BHQA) - The BHQA hears appeals from those seeking relief from HAND's interpretation or enforcement of any of the provisions of Title 16 of the Bloomington Municipal Code (Residential Rental and Lodging Establishment Inspection Program). HAND's Rental Inspection Program Manager provides staff support for the BHQA.
- Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) - The HPC is responsible for developing and coordinating the City's historic preservation activities, and ensures the historic preservation of and design-conscious development in Bloomington's historic neighborhoods and buildings. HAND's Historic Preservation Program Manager provides staff support for the HPC.
- Redevelopment Commission (RDC) - The RDC oversees the duties and responsibilities of the Department of Housing and Neighborhood Development. The HAND Director serves as the RDC Executive Director.
HAND publishes two monthly newsletters:
Rental Central: HAND's newsletter for property owners and managers
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Rental Complaints -- A note about biological growth (mold, mildew, etc.)
The HAND Department does not test for biological growth. If we inspect a unit and there is visible biological growth, we will require that it be removed. We will also look for sources of moisture that can encourage such growth, such as plumbing leaks, clogged gutters or inadequate ventilation.
The Environmental Protection Agency has helpful information, including how to prevent biological growth, at: epa.gov/mold. This brochure may also be helpful to you: How to Treat Your Home After a Flood.
If you have biological growth in your rental unit or suspect that you might, you should inform your landlord or property manager and consider contacting a company or organization that does biological growth testing and/or remediation.
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Occupancy Affidavit Form
Rental properties are limited in the number of unrelated adults who may occupy them. In most residential areas, the occupancy limit is three.
IU STUDENTS your questions answered
Leases, parking, noise, trash, and more!
Workforce Housing
Workforce housing provides housing for families and individuals whose income falls above the threshold to qualify for affordable housing, but below the income necessary to pay for market-rate housing. To qualify for workforce housing in Bloomington, your household income must fall between 80% and 120% of the area median income (AMI).
HOME - ARP Approved by HUD - July 2023
The HOME Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan Program (HOME-ARP) allocation plan provides a concise summary of the actions, and activities to reduce homelessness and increase housing stability based on the City of Bloomington's goals as identified in the City's Consolidated Plan and Needs Assessment.
City of Bloomington Annual CAPER 2022
The CAPER is a summary of accomplishments from the actions, and activities performed through the federal resources received each year. The report may be viewed here. The public comment period closed on August 28, 2023, and the plan has been submitted to HUD for review.
2024 Annual Action Plan
The Annual Action Plan outlines yearly funding plans for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funding received by the City of Bloomington, as well as helping track goals established within the Consolidated Plan. The draft Annual Action Plan can be reviewed here.
City of Bloomington Annual CAPER 2023
The CAPER is a summary of accomplishments from the actions, and activities performed through the federal resources received each year. The report may be viewed here.
What to do if someone is trespassing on your property
A resource guide for property owners
Title 16: Director's Interpretations
City of Bloomington Consolidated Plan 2025-2029 with Annual Action Plan 2025
The Consolidated Plan is designed to help assess affordable housing and community development needs and market conditions, and to make data-driven, place-based investment decisions. This serves as a planning document to address community needs in housing and community development with additional direction to how funds will be used to address those needs. The document also includes the 2025 Action Plan, which outlines yearly funding plans for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funding received by the City of Bloomington. The Draft Plan can be found here.