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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 »

Coalition of Community-Based Organizations Sue HUD and CHA for Plan to Turn Public Housing Land into Soccer Team’s Training Facility CHICAGO, IL: The Coalition to Protect CHA Land, Chicago Housing Initiative, and Lugenia Burns Hope Center today filed a federal lawsuit to challenge the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) approval of the Chicago Housing Authority’s (CHA) plan to lease 23 acres of public housing land for the construction of a sports training facility. This land at Roosevelt Square, a rapidly gentrifying area close to meaningful job opportunities, good schools, and convenient public transportation, would be leased to the Chicago Fire. This plan violates CHA’s fair housing obligations. In its rush to approval, HUD failed... Read More »

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 »

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 »

The Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Conducted a Hearing on Rural Housing Legislation NHLP’s Managing Attorney Natalie Maxwell testified in front of the United States Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Development to discuss “Rural Housing Legislation.” Natalie addressed the importance of rental housing provided by USDA’s Rural Housing Service.   “The rental housing provided by USDA’s Rural Housing Service has historically been a critical source of safe, decent, affordable housing in rural America. However, it now faces its own unique challenges as the number of Section 515 properties that are at risk of exiting the RHS portfolio due to prepayments and mortgage maturities threatens to upend the lives of the more than 560,361... Read More »

The Biden-Harris Administration released its Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights Today, the Biden-Harris Administration released its Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights, a timely and much-needed recognition that tenant protections are important for a well-functioning housing market. The showcases commitments by federal agencies to advance tenant rights, and it provides a five-principle framework: (1) access to safe, quality, accessible and affordable housing, (2) clear and fair leases, (3) education, enforcement, and enhancement of renter rights, (4) the right to organize, and (5) eviction prevention, diversion, and relief.   “Rental housing used to be a local industry, but it is increasingly dominated by national and multinational entities,” said NHLP’s Executive Director Shamus Roller. “The... Read More »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »