The administration acknowledges its limited powers in solving the nation’s housing affordability crisis, but says new actions will examine unfair rental practices and recommend policies to state and local governments.
New federal actions announced today aim to help struggling renters as housing costs for tenant households continue to rise and the nation faces a massive shortage of as many as 5 million homes. As Rachel Siegel reports in the Washington Post, the administration says the new policies are not simply a response to recent spikes in rents, but are designed to address the broader problem of housing affordability and fair housing.
The new policies include directives for several federal agencies to assess instances of unfair rental practices and a template for a Renters Bill of Rights that is not tied to any mandates. According to Siegel, “much of Biden’s plans rely on state and local governments, as well as housing providers around the nation, to join in.”
But the plan has buy-in from federal agencies, which are tasked with understanding unfair rental practices and other issues that disadvantage renters. “The Federal Trade Commission and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will collect information exploring unfair practices in the rental market,” while other federal agencies including the Justice Department will examine competition issues in the rental market.
The actions the administration can take are limited, Siegel points out. According to organizer Tara Raghuveer, “The White House announcement introduces potential for agency-level action but falls short of issuing directives to regulate rent and address consolidation of the rental market.” For now, housing policy remains largely a state and local issue.
FULL STORY: White House unveils new tenant protections amid soaring rental costs
California’s New Housing Laws: What You Need to Know
The state legislature passed dozens of new laws aimed at improving housing affordability and streamlining the development process to meet rising demand.
St. Paul Revises Rent Stabilization Ordinance
The city is pulling back on some provisions in the rent stabilization ordinance passed by voters last fall.
Report: Nation Short 3.8 Million Housing Units
Housing underproduction in the United States is growing more severe and more widespread.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
Albuquerque’s Microtransit: A Planner’s Answer to Food Access Gaps
New microtransit vans in Albuquerque aim to close food access gaps by linking low-income areas to grocery stores, cutting travel times by 30 percent and offering planners a scalable model for equity-focused transit.
This City Will Pay You to Meet Your Neighbors
A North Kansas City grant program offers up to $400 for residents to throw neighborhood block parties.
Commentary: Our Silence Will Not Protect Us
Keeping our heads down and our language inoffensive is not the right response to the times we’re in. Solidarity and courage is.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)