§776 Individuals and Households Pilot Program

Summary

The President must set up a short pilot program, run by the Administrator and working with state, local, and tribal governments, to use existing rental housing in areas with a major disaster declaration. The program can lease multi‑family rental units for people who qualify under section 5174 of title 42, pay to improve those units, and limit repairs to only what is needed to meet Federal housing quality standards. The program can be used only when leasing is cost effective — the lease cost to the government must be in proportion to the savings from not providing other housing. Any agency payment for improvements must be subtracted from the lease value and cannot be more than the lease value. The Administrator may consult with state, local, and tribal governments. No pilot project may be approved after December 31, 2008. The Administrator must send a report to Congress by March 31, 2009 assessing effectiveness and cost savings, listing findings and conclusions, noting any extra authorities needed, and recommending whether to continue or make the program permanent.