Bill > H1571

This bill establishes a Whole Home Repairs Program administered by the executive office of housing and livable communities to make home repairs more affordable and stabilize communities. The program will provide grants up to $50,000 to homeowners with household incomes at or below 80% of the area median income, and loans up to $50,000 to small landlords (defined as those owning no more than 5 properties and 15 rental units). These funds can be used to address habitability concerns like addressing health and safety hazards, improving energy efficiency, or making units more accessible for people with disabilities. For small landlords, loans can be forgiven if they extend tenant leases for 3 years, limit rent increases to 3% annually, have not committed serious rental property violations, and maintain ownership of the unit for at least 15 years. Additionally, the program requires applicants to develop workforce development programs that connect trainees to jobs in home repair and improvement, including providing cash stipends and supporting pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship training. The program will coordinate with existing federal and state home repair resources and allow up to 4% of appropriated funds to be used for administrative costs.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1571