Bill > S0294

This bill establishes the Vermont Whole Home Repairs Program within the Department of Housing and Community Development to provide financial assistance, in the form of grants and forgivable loans, to homeowners and private landlords for essential home repairs. These repairs can address habitability concerns, meaning issues that make a home unsafe or unfit for living, such as problems with asbestos, mold, pests, or lead, or conditions that prevent energy or water efficiency upgrades. The program also aims to make homes more accessible for individuals with disabilities, and can include funding for accessibility features like parking spots. The program has a maximum award of $50,000 per unit, and landlords receiving assistance cannot use the units for short-term rentals while the agreement is active. Landlords must also contribute matching funds or services equal to at least 20% of the grant or loan amount and agree to terms that prevent the permanent displacement of current residents, providing temporary relocation if necessary, and maintaining affordability after rehabilitation. Homeowners with incomes at or below 80% of the area median income are eligible for grants, while landlords can receive forgivable loans if they meet specific criteria, including offering long-term rental agreements and not having serious violations on their properties. Those who don't qualify for grants or forgivable loans can still access regular loans. The bill also appropriates $15 million for the program, with $5 million specifically for technical assistance and workforce development, and will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.294