An act relating to the creation of the Whole Home Repairs Program

S.294 creates Vermont's Whole Home Repairs Program within the Department of Housing and Community Development to provide funding for homeowners and private landlords. The program offers competitive grants and forgivable loans (capped at $50,000 per unit) to address habitability issues (like mold or lead), improve energy/water efficiency, or make homes accessible for people with disabilities. Landlords must contribute 20% in matching funds, cannot displace current tenants during repairs, and are prohibited from using renovated units as short-term rentals during the grant period. All grant details, including recipient names and amounts, will be publicly reported quarterly on the department’s website. This directly affects Vermont residents needing home repairs, particularly low-income households and landlords maintaining rental properties.