Eviction Helpline Act
Summary
The Eviction Helpline Act aims to establish a hotline providing assistance to tenants of federally assisted rental dwelling units facing eviction. The hotline, managed by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, would offer information and support related to eviction matters. The bill authorizes necessary appropriations for fiscal year 2026 and subsequent years to sustain the hotline's operation.
The Act defines key terms such as "assistance" and "covered federally assisted rental dwelling unit," clarifying the scope of the hotline's services. It specifies the housing programs and mortgage loan types eligible for assistance under the Act.
Overall, the bill seeks to provide a resource for vulnerable tenants, ensuring they have access to information and support during eviction proceedings.
Expected Effects
The Eviction Helpline Act will likely lead to the creation of a centralized resource for tenants in federally assisted housing facing eviction. This could improve tenants' awareness of their rights and available resources.
It may also lead to a reduction in wrongful evictions and increased housing stability for low-income families. The hotline could also provide data on eviction trends, informing future policy decisions.
Potential Benefits
- Provides a direct line of assistance for tenants facing eviction.
- Increases awareness of tenant rights and resources.
- Potentially reduces wrongful evictions.
- Offers support to vulnerable populations.
- May lead to better data collection on eviction trends.
Potential Disadvantages
- Requires government funding, potentially increasing budget deficits.
- May create additional bureaucracy within the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
- Effectiveness depends on the quality and accessibility of the hotline's services.
- Potential for the hotline to be understaffed or underfunded.
- The hotline may not address the root causes of eviction, such as poverty and lack of affordable housing.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Eviction Helpline Act aligns with the Constitution's broad mandate to "promote the general Welfare" (Preamble). Congress has the power to legislate on matters related to housing and poverty under the Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8).
The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations. However, the implementation of the hotline must adhere to due process requirements to ensure fairness and equity.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).