Race Day Live A new bipartisan bill in the U.S. Senate aims to provide forgivable home repair loans to landlords and grants to low-to-moderate-income homeowners across the country.
The Whole-Home Repairs Act, led by Senators John Fetterman and Cynthia Lummis, is inspired by Pennsylvania’s successful state program.
The bill targets the nation’s housing crisis, with support from Senators Mike Rounds and Tina Smith, showing strong bipartisan backing.
Why This Bill Matters?
According to a 2021 Harvard University study, about 6.7 million Americans live in homes with serious issues like mold, pests, and broken heating or cooling systems.
These problems mostly affect low-income families and communities of color, worsening their health, safety, and economic struggles.
The Whole-Home Repairs Act plans to solve these problems by providing forgivable loans for small landlords and grants for homeowners. These funds will help with repairs that make homes safer and more livable, particularly in underserved areas.
Key Details
The bill was reintroduced in the Senate on January 16, 2025, after its first introduction in March 2024. If passed, it will offer fully forgivable loans to small landlords who manage fewer than 10 properties with a total of 50 or fewer units.
Most units must remain affordable, and landlords must keep properties safe and livable after repairs.
For homeowners, the bill provides grants to help with essential repairs. Local governments will decide the grant limits based on their region’s labor and material costs, ensuring flexibility.
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Supporters Speak Out
Senator Mike Rounds said this bill is especially important for rural areas where new housing is expensive. He highlighted the need to maintain current homes for long-term safety and affordability.
Chris Vincent from Habitat for Humanity noted that keeping families in their current homes is more affordable than building new ones. The bill ensures that existing housing is preserved and residents can stay in their communities.
Shamus Roller of the National Housing Law Project emphasized that safe homes are essential. He said this bill will prevent families from living in dangerous conditions by funding critical repairs.
Matt Josephs from the Local Initiatives Support Corporation added that low-income homeowners often struggle to get the help they need. The Whole-Home Repairs Act can make a big difference by providing much-needed resources to preserve homes.
The Coalition for Home Repair also supports the bill, stating it would streamline access to repairs for families in need while reducing long waitlists for assistance.
What’s Next?
The bill is currently under review by the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. If it becomes law, its impact will be measured until the program ends on October 1, 2030.
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