Understanding and protecting tenant rights is a huge part of owning and managing rental properties. However, laws that regulate rentals or address tenant rights can vary widely across the United States. As a result, depending on the city or state, you may find policies that heavily favor the landlord or tenant, but rarely is it an even balance. So, to encourage more balance and place more focus on tenant rights, the Biden administration published the “Blueprint for a Renter’s Bill of Rights” in January 2023. Today, we’ll go over what it is and what it could mean for landlords and tenants going forward.
What is the Renter’s Bill of Rights
Is the Biden Administration’s “Blueprint for a Renter’s Bill of Rights” a game-changer? Unravel the mysteries of tenant rights and discover the impact on landlords in this must-watch video! Join us now to stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of property ownership! Don’t miss out – click play and empower yourself with the knowledge you need!
Key Moments in the Video
- 00:40 – What is the Renter’s Bill of Rights?
- 01:25 – The Purpose of the Renter’s Bill of Rights
- 02:01 – What Does the Renter’s Bill of Rights Cover?
- 04:40 – What Does it Mean Going Forward?
What Is the White House Renter’s Bill of Rights?
Nearly 35% of the United States population lives in rental housing. However, laws regulating rental properties, landlords, and tenants vary widely, depending on state and local statutes. Unfortunately, this has led to unfair policies and standards for both landlords and tenants in some states.
In January 2023, the Biden Administration released a “Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights.” While it’s not an official policy, it’s a white paper that identifies five basic principles and best practices that the administration believes would help even out state and local laws. The goal, if implemented, is to help reduce tenant exploitation, create a more equitable renter market, and help ensure fair housing practices everywhere.
It’s important for landlords, tenants, and property managers in Philadephia to keep up with local, state, and federal rental laws. While the Renter’s Bill of Rights is not law, it still can have an impact on U.S. landlords and renters.
The Purpose of the Renter’s Bill of Rights
Renter’s rights have gained more attention recently, and one of the main concerns of many tenants is rising rent problems.
While the Blueprint doesn’t directly address this issue, it does focus on unlawful or unfair practices within rental housing.
The proposed Renters Bill of Rights aims to create a fair and equal environment for every renter. It seeks to address the differences in landlord-tenant laws across states and aims to provide relief to renters in areas where landlord-friendly laws are more predominant.
What Does the Renter’s Bill of Rights Cover?
The Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights covers five basic principles of guaranteeing fair and safe housing for all renters. Here’s what you can find throughout the proposed Blueprint.
- Access to Safe, Quality, Accessible, and Affordable Housing
- Clear and Fair Leases
- Education, Enforcement, and Enhancement of Rights
- The Right to Organize
- Eviction Prevention, Diversion, and Relief
Access to Safe, Quality, Accessible, and Affordable Housing
The first principle in the Renters Bill of Rights talks about the safety, affordability, and habitability of rental housing. It emphasizes that renters should not pay more than 30% of their household income on housing costs, and any rent increases should be reasonable, fair, and transparent.
Another point it makes is that rental properties must meet habitability standards and be free of health and safety hazards like mold or lead. Additionally, owners should ensure proper property maintenance, including common areas. Owners must also provide the amenities and services promised in the lease agreement or advertisements to fulfill their obligations to tenants.
Finally, this principle states that owners must implement fair and equal tenant screening practices to ensure equal opportunities for all prospective renters. It should not be overly difficult for renters to apply for or receive housing aid, providing accessibility to those in need.
Clear and Fair Leases
The next principle focuses on lease agreements, stating that contracts between tenants and landlords should be fair with clearly defined terms, responsibilities, and rights. Leases should be written in clear, simple, and accessible language to ensure renters understand their rights and responsibilities.
There should be no mandatory arbitration clauses, hidden fees, or unfair practices, and policies regarding security deposits should be clear and transparent. Additionally, it emphasizes that landlords must give reasonable notice before entering the rental unit or making significant changes to it.
Education, Enforcement, and Enhancement of Rights
This section of the Blueprint emphasizes the role of federal, state, and local governments in protecting renters’ rights and educating them about their legal protections.
It urges governments to enforce fair housing laws and regulations to prevent discrimination and exclusion in all forms. Additionally, it pushes governments at all levels to ensure renters are aware of their rights under existing laws, like the Fair Housing Act and other housing regulations.
The Right to Organize
This principle emphasizes renters’ rights to organize without interference from housing providers, like landlords or property managers. It advocates for protections against harassment or eviction threats for those who choose to organize. Additionally, it stresses the importance of renters knowing their landlords or property managers and having a straightforward way to communicate with them when needed.
Eviction Prevention, Diversion, and Relief
The last principle focuses on the importance of landlords using fair and legal eviction proceedings. To prevent unfair or unjustified evictions, it states that all evictions should have a just or good cause. Additionally, it highlights the need for alternatives to the eviction system and proper procedures for eviction, if necessary.
Ultimately, it aims to prevent evictions by providing renters with access to resources, fair legal processes, and measures to avoid housing instability in the future.
What Does It Mean Going Forward?
Currently, the Renter’s Bill of Rights is not law, and none of the actions throughout it are mandatory for policymakers or landlords to follow. But does that mean that it won’t impact policies going forward? Not necessarily.
Many of these proposed principles are common practice for landlords and property managers. However, some of these principles can have an impact in areas where tenant-friendly laws are less predominant.
There are several ways for federal, state, and local governments to work toward accomplishing some of the goals throughout the Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights. For instance, the federal government can work with states and cities to make it easier to build more housing, especially in areas where they’re lacking.
Additionally, states and cities can improve housing standards by adopting codes like the International Property Maintenance Code, which focuses on ensuring safe and livable rentals. However, one concern for some in the rental industry is that the Blueprint could lead to unnecessary government interventions in rental prices.
How Property Managers Can Follow Suit
While there’s no mandate for landlords or property managers to follow the “Blueprint for a Renter’s Bill of Rights,” that doesn’t mean it won’t have an impact. It’s important to ensure both landlords and tenants have fair and equal rights when it comes to rental housing. One of the best ways to ensure tenants are treated equally and fairly is by hiring a professional property management team.
Learn how Bay property management group can help today!
Bay Property Management Group offers comprehensive management services, ensuring each tenant has a fair screening process and a chance to obtain rental housing. Our team of professionals also ensures properties are up-to-date and well-maintained, 24/7. So, if you’re looking for full-service property management in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Northern Virginia, or Washington, DC, contact BMG today!
