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Enhanced Tenant Rights in Federal Housing: Better Conditions and Protection

This act strengthens the rights of tenants in federally assisted housing, providing them with new tools to enforce housing standards and protect against unfair landlord actions. Citizens gain the ability to influence the quality of their housing and access information about the property.
Key points
Tenants can withhold part of their rent and pay it into an escrow fund if the landlord fails to fix serious housing violations.
Tenants can make repairs themselves and deduct the documented cost from their rent if the landlord is unresponsive.
Landlords are prohibited from evicting tenants for exercising these new rights.
Housing inspections can be requested by 25% of tenants or local government.
Tenants gain the right to access information about the owner, property finances, and inspection reports.
Increased funding for tenant organizing and capacity building.
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Expired
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_4237
Sponsor: Rep. Pressley, Ayanna [D-MA-7]
Process start date: 2021-06-29
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Tenant Empowerment Act of 2021

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_HR_4237.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-06-29.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Tenants can withhold part of their rent and pay it into an escrow fund if the landlord fails to fix serious housing violations.
  • Tenants can make repairs themselves and deduct the documented cost from their rent if the landlord is unresponsive.
  • Landlords are prohibited from evicting tenants for exercising these new rights.
  • Housing inspections can be requested by 25% of tenants or local government.
  • Tenants gain the right to access information about the owner, property finances, and inspection reports.
  • Increased funding for tenant organizing and capacity building.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Pressley, Ayanna [D-MA-7].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-28.

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