Three House Democrats have introduced legislation to stop tenants at risk of losing their homes due to rising evictions.
After the Supreme Court overturned the federal eviction moratorium in August, the bill was introduced by Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts; Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut; and Cori Bush from Missouri.
Housing Emergencies Lifeline Act (HELP Act) would prohibit credit agencies from recording evictions, provide legal assistance in fighting landlords in some cases, and increase enforcement against illegal tenant removal.
Pressley stated that the pandemic had a devastating financial and emotional impact on families. Congress must act quickly to prevent them from being evicted and keep them safe. “With millions of vulnerable renters, including Black, Brown, and Low-income people, it is imperative that we affirm housing as a human rights.
The proposal would authorize $10B in grants for related legal aid. It also requires landlords to inform tenants about their rights and responsibilities to deter illegal removals. A database will be created to track evictions through HUD.
DeLauro was evicted as a child and noted that only 10% have legal representation during what is often a fast-moving process.
DeLauro stated, “I have seen firsthand how evictions don’t happen in a vacuum.” These traumatic events can have many collateral consequences such as job loss and poor educational outcomes.
In 2021, home prices rose faster than ever. A typical home has a value of $50,000
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In 2021, home prices rose faster than ever. A typical home has a value of $50,000
The prospects for the bill are dim
Congress offered significant assistance to tenants at the outbreak of the pandemic. However, the Supreme Court revoked the latest version of the moratorium in August. It has not been extended enough to the Capitol’s support. Republicans and moderate Democrats have resisted Bush, Pressley and DeLauro’s attempts to pass legislative fixes over the past year.
Even small landlords have resisted eviction bans. They argue that this type of policy prescription creates financial hardships for them, or that renters have taken advantage.
The three men are determined to make the bill move, despite all odds.
Bush, who protested against the ending of the eviction moratorium in August by sleeping on the Capitol steps for several nights, believes that this plan could solve a systemic crisis.
Bush, who was subject to several evictions during her 20s, said that evictions could be a life sentence for millions of Americans forced onto the streets each year. When Black renters, especially Black women, receive eviction notices at almost twice the rate that white renters, and nearly half of Black renters don’t know if next month’s rent will be paid, lawmakers are forced to intervene to provide life-saving solutions.
The plan has been endorsed by more than a dozen organizations, including the National Housing Law Project.
