New renter hotline and website required under House bill targeting corporate landlords

What does this do?

HR 8903 would require HUD to establish a Renter Resource Center within 180 days of enactment, including a toll-free phone number and public website where renters can report disputes with landlords. HUD would be required to respond to complaints, share dispute information with relevant federal agencies, and direct renters to the appropriate state agency when state law is involved. Large corporate landlords covered by the bill would be required to notify tenants about the center at move-in and once per year thereafter.

Who does it affect?

The bill directly affects renters living in single-family homes owned by large corporate landlords, as well as for-profit companies, funds, or investment groups that control at least 350 single-family rental homes nationwide. Government agencies, nonprofits, and community land trusts are excluded from the bill's requirements.

Why does it matter?

HUD would take on new responsibilities to track, investigate, and report on rental disputes, and covered landlords would face new annual reporting and tenant notification obligations. Congress would receive an annual public report summarizing disputes filed, with personal information about individual renters kept private.

Where does it stand?