Whole-Home Repairs Act of 2025

Grants for Low-Income Homeowners: Under Section 3(b)(1), eligible homeowners can receive grants to implement whole-home repairs up to a maximum amount approved by the Secretary. This helps people with limited means fix safety issues, make accessibility modifications, or improve energy efficiency in their homes without taking on debt.

Loans for Eligible Landlords: Under Section 3(b)(2), eligible landlords can receive loans, which may be forgivable, to make whole-home repairs to affordable rental units and common areas. This helps improve the quality and safety of rental housing for tenants.

Rent Protections and Lease Extensions: Under Section 3(c)(2)(B), landlords receiving loans must offer to extend the leases of current tenants for at least three years after repairs are completed and cap annual rent increases at 5 percent or inflation, whichever is lower. This protects renters from getting priced out of their homes right after improvements are made.

Workforce Training Support: Under Section 3(b)(5), implementing organizations are allowed to use up to 10 percent of their awarded funds for related functions like workforce training. This can help build local job skills while increasing the number of home repairs performed.

Burdensome Loan Requirements for Landlords: Under Section 3(c), landlords who take out loans must meet strict rules, including maintaining units as affordable housing and capping rent increases for at least three years. If a landlord fails to follow these rules or if repairs are not completed, they may face financial penalties or be required to repay the funds on a prorated basis as detailed in Section 3(b)(4).

Repayment and Unused Funds Rules: Under Section 3(b)(4), if approved repairs are not completed and the work plan is not updated, the grant or loan must be repaid on a prorated basis, and any unused balances must be returned. This could create administrative hurdles or financial stress for participants if projects face unexpected delays or cost changes.