MN HF3625

Authorizes the commissioner of housing finance to make grants to local units of government or nonprofit organizations to establish landlord risk mitigation programs for homeless individuals or families and those who do not qualify for rental housing under standard screening criteria.

Eligible programs reimburse landlords for costs including nonpayment of rent and building or room damage costs exceeding security deposit amounts.

Gives higher priority to applicants who can certify matching funds from a local unit of government, business, or nonprofit organization.

Requires the commissioner to establish a procedure to review and validate claims and reimbursements under the grant program.

Appropriates $250,000 from the general fund in fiscal year 2017 for landlord risk mitigation grants, targeted to communities and regions with low rental housing vacancy rates that have cooperatively developed housing needs plans.