# Healthy at Home Act of 2023
This bill aims to combat toxic indoor mold in residential housing, particularly in federally-assisted properties. It requires federal agencies to conduct comprehensive health research on mold exposure and develop national standards for inspecting, testing, and remediating mold. Within three years of enactment, the Environmental Protection Agency and HUD must issue model standards for mold prevention and detection that can be adopted by states and local governments, with updates required every three years based on new science.
The bill establishes strict requirements for properties receiving federal housing subsidies under Section 8 of the Housing Act. Properties that fail physical inspections must be repaired within a set timeline or face enforcement actions, including rent freezes, management replacement, contract termination, or tenant relocation with continued assistance. HUD must notify tenants of inspection results within 30 days and post notices in common areas. Tenants can request second inspections if a property barely passed or if at least 51 percent vote for reinspection.
The legislation authorizes $250 million in grants and low-interest loans to repair mold and other health hazards in federally-assisted housing, with priority given to low-income areas and areas with persistent poverty. It also provides $80 million for states and localities that require sellers to disclose environmental hazards including mold. Additionally, the bill requires HUD to establish a well-staffed tenant complaint hotline available at least 12 hours daily and authorizes funds for a public education campaign on mold hazards and tenant rights. For tax purposes, property owners cannot claim depreciation deductions if their buildings fail federal mold inspections unless violations are corrected within 90 days.
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