Proposal would fund home repairs for homeowners and small landlords

The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority would award grants for safety repairs, energy efficiency, and disability access. Applicants must own and occupy their main home. Manufactured homes qualify, as do ownership interests through a purchase contract, a trust, or ownership before a fraudulent transfer. Household income could not exceed the county median, adjusted for family size. Homeowners who sell within four years of receiving a grant would immediately owe back part of it. The home age range would include both endpoints.

The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority would award loans for safety repairs, energy efficiency, and disability access. Landlords must hold ownership stakes in no more than five rental properties and 15 rental homes, which they rent as affordable housing. Rentals must serve households earning no more than the county median, adjusted for family size. Estimated annual housing costs, including utilities, must be no more than 30 percent of area median income, with household size and utility costs calculated under federal rules. Landlords who sell within four years of receiving a loan would immediately owe the unpaid balance. The home age range would include both endpoints.

Wisconsin would set aside half of the real estate transfer fee money counties send to the state for this program. The funding share would apply to transfer fee money sent to the state, rather than all transfer fees counties collect.