Housing Stakeholder Groups Raise Concerns Over WH’s Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights
A recent article in Multi-Housing News provided a snapshot of the housing industry’s response to the announcement made by the White House. While the White House acknowledged that preservation and construction of new affordable housing was very much the cornerstone of increasing access to safe and decent, affordable housing, concerns were raised that the current plan fails to address supply-related housing challenges. NAHMA believes the White House should continue to call on Congress to pass the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act, which would allow for increased transactions and construction volumes for both new projects and redevelopment of existing buildings to affordable housing; and the Choice in Affordable Housing Act, which would incentivize private sector participation in the development through the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program.
Additionally, while the Blueprint does attempt to address income-based discrimination toward prospective residents, many felt that it does not address the root causes of evictions. Larry Keys, vice president of government affairs at NAHMA, raised his concerns. “Our members do everything possible to notify residents of alternative payment plans, recertification and emergency rental assistance,” Keys noted. “We are very concerned about the long-term negative financial impacts to residents resulting from their increasing outstanding rent balances, as well as the negative financial impacts over time on property maintenance and operations resulting from cumulative non-payments of rent.” NAHMA will continue to monitor these efforts as it works with the Administration and Congressional leaders to address the affordable housing supply shortage.
To view the Multi-Housing News article, click here.
Legislation Introduced to End Cares Act Notice to Vacate
Today, Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) introduced H.R. 802, a bill that would end the CARES Act notice to vacate requirement. In March 2020, Congress passed the CARES Act, which included a temporary 120-day moratorium on evictions and late fees for federally-backed and federally-assisted housing. The moratorium featured what should have been a temporary notice to vacate requirement. Due to a drafting error in the legislation, however, this provision – which many believe intrudes state and local notice periods – has remained in place long past the moratorium’s expiration and remains a disputed issue in courts. H.R. 802 was referred to the House Financial Services Committee for further consideration. NAHMA monitors this legislation closely as we continue to hear members experience the negative consequences of this policy. As provided in the Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights, we are also monitoring when HUD will introduce a regulation to adopt a notice to vacate.
Webinar on FY23 Affordable Housing Funding & Outlook for FY24
The Campaign for Housing and Community Development Funding (CHCDF) will be hosting a webinar on Friday, February 10th at 2:00 P.M. (EST) to learn about funding for affordable housing, homelessness, and community development resources enacted in the fiscal year (FY) 2023 budget. The webinar will also discuss the outlook for funding in FY2024, and share ways advocates can get involved to push for the highest possible funding for HUD’s and USDA’s vital affordable housing, community development, and homelessness programs. Presenters will include a diverse group of tenant advocates, housing providers and community development specialists.
To register for the webinar, click here.