In the United States, the rental market is characterized by a fragmented array of state and local regulations, often leaving renters with limited options when housing providers disregard the law or lease agreements. Recently, the White House unveiled definitive measures to safeguard renters against the complex web of state and local regulations and legal procedures. These steps aim to provide better avenues for renters who encounter difficult situations due to housing providers not complying with the law or lease agreements. Expanding upon the foundation laid by the Renters Bill of Rights, the following are new initiatives that the White House unveiled.
 

Equitable Tenant Screening Procedures

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Department of Agriculture (USDA), and other separate entities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Federal Housing Financing Agency (FHFA), and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), offer insight on equitable tenant screening procedures to landlords, operators, and stakeholders who use tenant screening reports to evaluate rental applications. These federal entities outline that property managers are responsible for informing renters about the specific reasons in their screening report that led to the denial of their rental application. This information empowers renters by allowing them to rectify any inaccuracies in their reports and resolve issues affecting their applications.
 

Allocate Resources for Educating and Engaging Tenants

HUD recently declared $10 million in additional funding for tenant education and outreach in project-based rental assistance housing. These funds will help facilitate better communication and engagement between tenants and property managers for the sustenance of secure, comfortable, and affordable housing options. Additionally, the funds can be utilized for training, technical support, and the establishment and operation of tenant organizations.
 

Extend the Eviction Prevention Timeline for Tenants

HUD has pledged to release a notice proposing a new rule that would mandate tenants of public housing and properties with project-based rental assistance receive a written statement providing at least 30 days before lease termination in case of non-payment of rent. The proposed rule aims to reduce avoidable and unwarranted evictions by affording tenants time and information to rectify non-payment issues. Currently, tenants in public housing and properties with project-based rental assistance already have the right to a 30-day notice for non-payment cases. If approved, this proposed rule would formally establish this requirement within HUD's regulations, enhancing the department's ability to communicate and enforce safety measures against unlawful and prompt evictions more efficiently. During the rulemaking procedure, tenants and other stakeholders will also have the opportunity to contribute their feedback and insights to ensure that HUD effectively addresses preventable evictions.
 

Raise the Standards for Resident Engagement

HUD has recently released updated instructions directed at owners of multifamily housing and public housing authorities engaged in the Rental Assistance Demonstration program. These guidelines reinforce resident safeguards by updating engagement criteria and enhancing HUD's oversight tools, which involve actively monitoring supplementary data showcasing resident involvement. These fresh mandates aim to provide residents with increased avenues to contribute their input regarding the maintenance of their residences.
 

Guarantee Renters' Representation in Discussions

The White House has prioritized engaging with tenants, tenant organizers, and advocacy organizations. These interactions ensure that the government is well-informed about the challenges faced in the rental market. It also ensures the government can better formulate housing solutions that promote fairness.

This week, HUD hosted the National Conversation at The Community Table, where hundreds of renters could directly voice their opinions on federal housing policies. Additionally, FHFA, FTC, and CFPB have each requested information from the public to better shape their policies, while the Treasury is holding quarterly tenant listening sessions to learn from individuals' experiences with emergency rental assistance. Furthermore, USDA plans to organize a gathering with renters in rural areas.
 

Reveal Initiatives from the Private Sector and State and Local Authorities

Back in January, the White House introduced the Resident-Centered Housing Challenge, urging housing providers and stakeholders to enhance practices that enhance renters' quality of life. To date, more than 100 public and private sector entities have committed to aligning with the principles stated in the Renters Bill of Rights. The White House remains committed to encouraging private and public sectors to conform to the Renters Bill of Rights and welcomes further actions from housing providers and others to respond to this call.

The White House's recent comprehensive measures have helped protect renters, enhanced rental experiences, and ensured housing market fairness. Increased tenant education, fair screening, extended eviction prevention, and collaboration with private and public sectors have all contributed to a tenant-centered housing landscape, striving for safe, decent, and affordable housing in the USA.