Whole-Home Repairs Act Offers Up to $25 Million for Home Fixes: Pilot Program Launches to Boost Affordable, Accessible Housing

The Whole-Home Repairs Act of 2025 is setting up a pilot program aimed at making homes safer, more accessible, and more energy-efficient. Instead of just focusing on lead remediation like some existing programs, this one takes a broader 'whole-home' approach. It provides grants to homeowners and forgivable loans to small landlords to fix up their properties, with a strong emphasis on helping lower-income folks. The funding comes from a hefty $25,000,000 pot, pulled from the Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes. (SEC. 3(k))

Fixing Up and Staying Put

This bill tackles some big issues in housing. Think accessibility for people with disabilities, basic safety and habitability, and even energy efficiency upgrades. (SEC. 2). For homeowners, it's a grant, meaning free money for repairs if you meet the income requirements (at or below 80% of the area median income, or at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines). (SEC. 2) For small landlords (owning fewer than 10 properties and no more than 50 units), it's a forgivable loan, but with some strings attached to protect tenants. (SEC. 2). These landlords have to agree to keep rents affordable and offer lease renewals for at least three years after the repairs are done, with some exceptions for lease violations. (SEC. 3(c)). They also have to make sure the property meets local housing codes and promise they haven't had serious renter protection violations in the past decade. Rent increases are capped at 5% or inflation, whichever is lower, for those three years. (SEC. 3(c))

Imagine a retired couple on a fixed income struggling to maintain their older home. This program could help them fix a leaky roof or install a ramp, making their home safer and more comfortable. Or consider a small landlord who wants to improve their building but can't afford major renovations. This program offers a way to upgrade units while keeping them affordable for tenants.

Keeping it Fair and Focused

The bill puts a lot of emphasis on making sure this money goes where it's needed most. Organizations applying for the grants have to show how they'll coordinate with other programs, prioritize affordable housing, and verify applications. (SEC. 3(d)). There's also a push for geographic diversity – the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) wants to spread the funds across urban, suburban, rural, and Tribal areas. (SEC. 3(f)). The bill requires annual reports and oversight from the HUD Inspector General to prevent fraud and misuse of funds. (SEC. 3(j)). The pilot program is slated to run until October 1, 2030. (SEC. 3(l))

While the bill aims to make a real difference, there are potential challenges. Making sure landlords stick to the affordability rules and that the money is used properly will require careful oversight. Also, the definition of 'whole-home repairs' is fairly broad, leaving room for interpretation about what kinds of renovations qualify. (SEC. 2) But overall, this bill offers a significant step toward improving housing quality and stability, particularly for those who need it most.