An act relating to housing

H.479 establishes the Vermont Rental Housing Improvement Program, providing grants and forgivable loans to landlords for rehabilitating or creating rental housing units. Funding is capped at $70,000 per accessible unit (meeting Vermont Access Rules) or $50,000 per standard unit, with landlords required to lease to specific eligible households (e.g., those exiting homelessness, refugees, or individuals with disabilities) for 5 or 10 years and keep rents at or below HUD's fair market rent. At least 30% of annual program funds must be reserved for five-year programs, and repaid funds return to the program. The Department must annually report on program usage, including units funded, tenant eligibility, and outcomes, to relevant legislative committees.