Sponsor
Frederica Wilson
Representative · D-FL
Representative · D-FL
The bill improves year-round indoor temperature safety and comfort for HUD-assisted residents and allows use of existing capital funds for upgrades, but it imposes new cost and operational burdens that could divert resources, strain providers, and be hard to enforce in extreme conditions.
People living in HUD-assisted rental units (including public housing and Section 202 residents, especially low-income renters and seniors) would have more reliable indoor temperatures (71–81°F), improving comfort, reducing heat- and cold-related health risks, and likely lowering emergency healthcare visits.
Public housing agencies and property owners can use existing Capital Fund or Operating Fund dollars to install or repair HVAC and insulation, enabling needed upgrades without requiring new appropriations.
Public housing owners and PHAs may face higher upfront capital and ongoing energy costs to meet the 71–81°F mandate, increasing financial pressure on housing budgets.
If costs exceed available Capital/Operating Fund resources, PHAs or owners might reduce other resident services or delay repairs, worsening living conditions for low-income residents.
Mandating a fixed 71–81°F range may be difficult to achieve in extreme climates or during grid outages, creating enforcement disputes, potential liability for owners, and gaps in protection during emergencies.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Gives HUD authority to require HUD-assisted units maintain 71–81°F and allows public housing Capital/Operating Funds to be used to meet that standard.
Official title: To provide for a comfortable and safe temperature level in dwelling units receiving certain Federal housing assistance, and for other purposes.
Introduced August 22, 2025 by Frederica Wilson · Last progress August 22, 2025
Allows HUD to require owners of federally assisted rental housing (Section 8-assisted units, public housing, and Section 202 elderly housing) to keep indoor temperatures between 71–81°F and explicitly permits use of HUD Capital Fund or Operating Fund monies in public housing to meet that standard. The bill adds authority to existing statutes so the Secretary of HUD can impose the temperature requirement and designate eligible HUD funds to pay for measures needed to comply.