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The Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA)

The Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA), H.R. 3700, Pub. L. 114-201, 130 Stat. 782 (July 29, 2016) is the first major federal housing legislation in almost two decades; virtually all other legislative measures in recent years have been riders to the annual appropriations acts. HOTMA makes changes to the federal housing programs in a variety of areas including unit inspections, recertifications, public housing income limits, and new rules regarding the use of project-based vouchers. Many of HOTMA’s provisions require HUD to implement regulations. See below for resources on HUD’s ongoing implementation of HOTMA. Read More »

Disaster Resources for Housing Advocates

A Resource Guide for Housing Advocates needing assistance during natural disasters Hurricanes Fiona and Ian have caused major devastation and there are still two months remaining in the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane season. We would like to share the following resources for advocates who are working to get short-term and long-term housing resources to BIPOC and low-income communities who have been repeatedly underserved and left out of disaster recovery programs. Join NLIHC and their Disaster Housing Recovery Coalition on Tuesday, October 4, at 2 pm for a national webinar. Hear how federal, state, and local governments are responding to housing needs related to Hurricanes Fiona and Ian, learn from leaders in impacted communities about the impact... Read More »

Voucher Utilization

NHLP and the Housing Justice Network submitted comments in response to the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) joint request for public comment on how background screening may shut renters out of housing. NHLP and numerous members of the Housing Justice Network collaborated to prepare thorough responses to the request for information, detailing the way various challenges rental housing seekers face with rental application fees and screening processes, inscrutable background screening algorithms, the problematic use of eviction records and criminal history, and various forms of abuse and discrimination. Read the NHLP and Housing Justice Network comments here. Read More »

LIHTC Preservation and Compliance

Compliance Although LIHTC properties must commit to at least 30 years of affordability, they are only subject to a 15-year “compliance period.” This is the period of time where the tax credits that have been given to developers can be taken away or “re-captured” if the property fails to comply with LIHTC regulations. A re-capture is only used in extreme cases. During the following 15 years (or more) the property is still required to maintain affordability and comply with LIHTC rules and regulations. However, without the ability to take back the credits, the state allocating agencies do not have much of an enforcement arm in which to ensure compliance. The IRS has not issued guidance regarding this issue. However, state... Read More »

Civil Rights and Housing Groups Call on HUD to End Evictions in Its Own Properties

49 civil rights, affordable housing, and tenants’ rights organizations, including 25 national groups, called on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to act immediately to end evictions in HUD housing and to do more to stop the national eviction crisis. Letter to HUD News Release Policy Advocacy and Analysis... Read More »

CDC Moratorium Advocate Primer

Advocate Primer on CDC Eviction Halt Order 2.0.  Answers key questions and summarizes most important arguments advocates will need to be prepared to make in representing tenants contesting eviction under the new CDC eviction halt imposed August 3, 2021.  Also contains practice tips and links to resources for advocates in local jurisdictions resistant to honoring CDC order. Read More »

UPDATED – Rights of Federally-Assisted Residents during the Government Shutdown

NHLP has prepared a memo detailing the legal implications of the government shutdown. This memo provides an overview of the impact of the shutdown on tenants in the various federally-assisted housing programs, including ways you can talk to clients about their legal rights. View NHLP’s memo here. Read More »