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Expediting Rental Assistance: New Rules for Renters and Landlords

This act aims to simplify and speed up access to financial aid for overdue rent. It allows landlords to apply without tenant consent in certain situations and extends the period for which assistance can be received. The changes are intended to help tenants maintain stable housing and resolve rent arrears.
Key points
Landlords can apply for rental assistance on behalf of tenants, even without their consent, after taking reasonable steps to obtain it.
If a landlord applies without tenant consent, they must notify the tenant at least 10 days beforehand.
Receiving assistance by a landlord without tenant consent is considered full satisfaction of all rent claims from the pandemic period until the application date.
Landlords receiving assistance cannot evict the tenant for 120 days, unless the tenant poses a health/safety threat or causes significant property damage.
Landlords who receive assistance must vacate any prior eviction judgments for non-payment of rent covered by the application and rescind eviction notices.
The maximum period for receiving rental assistance is extended from 12 to 20 months, with a possibility of an additional 4 months.
Income verification for tenants applying for assistance is simplified, accepting tenant attestations as true.
Requiring a written lease agreement for eligibility is prohibited.
Entities distributing aid must prioritize applications filed by tenants or by landlords with tenant consent.
Entities distributing aid must notify courts and tenants that rent arrears are cleared and eviction proceedings should be halted.
Entities distributing aid must inform tenants of their fair housing rights and how to file complaints.
Performance improvement plans are required for entities that are slow in distributing funds.
Extensive outreach to renters and landlords is mandated to maximize participation in the assistance program.
Administrative cost allowances for entities distributing aid are increased to facilitate collaboration with public entities for application assistance.
Unused rental assistance funds can be reallocated to non-profit organizations and court-supervised entities providing housing services.
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Expired
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_5196
Sponsor: Rep. Waters, Maxine [D-CA-43]
Process start date: 2021-09-07
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Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Expediting Assistance to Renters and Landlords Act of 2021

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_HR_5196.

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 2021-09-07.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Landlords can apply for rental assistance on behalf of tenants, even without their consent, after taking reasonable steps to obtain it.
  • If a landlord applies without tenant consent, they must notify the tenant at least 10 days beforehand.
  • Receiving assistance by a landlord without tenant consent is considered full satisfaction of all rent claims from the pandemic period until the application date.
  • Landlords receiving assistance cannot evict the tenant for 120 days, unless the tenant poses a health/safety threat or causes significant property damage.
  • Landlords who receive assistance must vacate any prior eviction judgments for non-payment of rent covered by the application and rescind eviction notices.
  • The maximum period for receiving rental assistance is extended from 12 to 20 months, with a possibility of an additional 4 months.
  • Income verification for tenants applying for assistance is simplified, accepting tenant attestations as true.
  • Requiring a written lease agreement for eligibility is prohibited.
  • Entities distributing aid must prioritize applications filed by tenants or by landlords with tenant consent.
  • Entities distributing aid must notify courts and tenants that rent arrears are cleared and eviction proceedings should be halted.
  • Entities distributing aid must inform tenants of their fair housing rights and how to file complaints.
  • Performance improvement plans are required for entities that are slow in distributing funds.
  • Extensive outreach to renters and landlords is mandated to maximize participation in the assistance program.
  • Administrative cost allowances for entities distributing aid are increased to facilitate collaboration with public entities for application assistance.
  • Unused rental assistance funds can be reallocated to non-profit organizations and court-supervised entities providing housing services.
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. Waters, Maxine [D-CA-43].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 28 - 22.

Is this summary verified?

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

CATEGORIES

Benefits Real Estate Courts and Law