The White House has published a memorandum entitled “Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights“. While the Blueprint does not create any new law, it does set forth certain actions that federal agencies intend to take regarding landlord-tenant matters. Assuming property owners and managers are already following the law as written, no immediate changes are necessary. However, the Blueprint does put into writing the policies of the current administration and sets forth those issues that they intend to focus on.
This Blueprint makes it clear that all federal agencies will take an aggressive approach to enforcing any and all laws which may protect residents. They will also look to new ways to protect residents.
The Blueprint also contains ideas that the White House would like to see implemented. For example, in the Blueprint, its clear that the White House would want to make Source of Income, a protected class under the federal Fair Housing Act. While the White House can’t actually make it a protected class, as that requires legislative action, the White House can promote the idea. Further, the White House appears to be pushing federal agencies to enforce such policies over landlords where they have the authority to do so.
Similarly, it seems that the White House would support a federal law on rent control. While it doesn’t have the power to make this law, it can promote the idea.
The Blueprint is broken into 5 categories:
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- Safe, Quality, Accessible and Affordable Housing
- Clear and Fair Leases
- Education, Enforcement, and Enhancement of Renter Rights
- The Right to Organize
- Eviction Prevention, Diversion, and Relief
A copy of the Blueprint can be found by clicking here.
About Rentals America
Rentals America provides full-service property management for residential rental properties. Our team is wholly dedicated to property management, and we’re here to help landlords navigate the rental market.
