HF1343

The bill proposes the establishment of the Minnesota Nice HomeShare pilot program to assist seniors in Lake, St. Louis, and Washington counties by matching them with adults in need of affordable housing. The program is intended to help seniors (defined as individuals aged 55 and older) reduce their living expenses by renting out spare rooms in their homes.

The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency will oversee the program and may collaborate with organizations like the Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging and AARP Minnesota for promotion. A grantee responsible for administering the program must:

1. Assist hosts and renters via phone, text, or video chat.
   
2. Collect rent payments and distribute them in a timely manner.
   
3. Ensure the privacy and security of participants' information.
   
4. Conduct background checks, including at least two references for both hosts and renters.
   
5. Verify renters' employment or school enrollment.
   
6. Review and process all applications.
   

The bill also appropriates $150,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to fund the pilot program.