The bill H.439 proposes the establishment of the Vermont Whole Home Repairs Program within the Department of Housing and Community Development. This program aims to provide funding through competitive grants and forgivable loans to homeowners and private landlords to address habitability concerns, enhance energy and water efficiency, and improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities. The Department will develop statewide standards for the program, including application evaluation criteria, and will ensure that units funded through the program are not offered as short-term rentals during the grant or loan agreement period. Additionally, the bill outlines requirements for housing organizations receiving funding, including the adoption of standard application forms, equitable selection processes, and accountability measures for awarded funds.

The bill appropriates $15 million from the General Fund for fiscal year 2026 to support the Whole Home Repairs Program, with $5 million designated for technical assistance and workforce development. It also specifies eligibility criteria for homeowners and landlords seeking funding, including income limits and conditions related to rental agreements and property maintenance. The program is designed to ensure that rehabilitation projects comply with applicable laws and that the identity of recipients and funding details remain public records. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.