Free repairs to your home, paid for by the city of San Antonio.

In this case, it's on the level — but be advised that the proverbial "eligibility restrictions apply."

Who's offering these gratis repairs?

The city's Office of Historic Preservation, through a program called Rehabarama.

What's the purpose?

To protect older homes from deteriorating so that the occupants can "age in place" and their families can "gain generational wealth," according to a city news release.

Here's the reasoning: A lot of older homes are affordable, but they're vulnerable to decay if not maintained properly. Some grow so decrepit they have to be bulldozed. "Once they are gone, we lose the affordability," says Shanon Miller, director of the Office of Historic Preservation.

What kind of work will the city pay for?

Maintenance and repairs that will halt deterioration and prolong a home's useful life.

Repairs to siding, the roof and the foundation fall into that category. So does weatherization — repairing old windows and doors to eliminate leaks, and adding insulation. Caulking and painting is on the list, too, along with gutter repairs and fixes to porches and decking. A full list of eligible repairs is here.

Is there a dollar limit?

Yes, $25,000.

Is it a loan or a grant?

Technically a loan, but you don't have to pay it back as long as you stay in the house and continue to meet the income eligibility requirements.

I've heard enough. Sign me up.

Hold on, not everyone is eligible.

First off, your home has to have been built before 1960. One-fourth of San Antonio's housing stock fits that description.

Second, your household's income has to be 80 percent of the Area Median Income, currently $83,500 for a family of four, or lower. 

Preference will be given to applicants living in city council districts 2 on the East Side, 3 on the South Side and 5 on the near West Side.

Are there any other strings attached?

Yes, if you get your home repaired through Rehabarama, you agree to stay in the house.

For how long?

One year if the repairs cost $5,000 or less. Two years if the cost was between $5,000 and $10,000 and so on, up to 5 years if the job cost more than $20,000.

And if I move out sooner?

Sorry, you'll have to pay the city back.

How do I apply?

Print out an application, fill it out and mail it to: City of San Antonio, Office of Historic Preservation, PO Box 839966 San Antonio 78238.

Or you can drop it off at the front desk of the Central Library at 600 Soledad St.

You also can email your application to lauren.sage@sanantonio.gov.

A Spanish-language version of the application is available here.

Go here for more information about Rehabarama or call 210-207-3327.