The White House Announces Federal Action for Renter Protections and a Blueprint for Renters' Bill of Rights

MEDIA CONTACT: Jessamyn Garner - email 

YIMBY Action applauds the Biden-Harris Administration for putting forth a Blueprint for a Renters’ Bill of Rights and a series of federal actions to increase Renter Protections and Housing Affordability for Renters. Housing stability is a core objective of the YIMBY Action policy platform and this proposal marks a significant step toward achieving it. 

Millions of Americans rent their homes, yet no comprehensive federal laws protect renters. Some local and state governments have stepped in to provide a patchwork of protections, but in most communities, renters are still subject to extreme rent hikes, unjust evictions, and a lack of legal representation.

This announcement from the Biden-Harris Administration marks an important step toward empowering tenants, giving them much-needed tools, and reducing unjust evictions.

Prioritizing renters, listening to their concerns and experiences, and taking action based on their feedback are actions necessary to protect renters and increase housing stability across the country. Bold, federal action to protect renters and increase affordability means consistent standards and protections for renters regardless of the state they live in.

But it’s far from the only step we’ll need to achieve housing stability and affordability for everyone in the US. While this plan is a significant step forward, there are additional protections that must be implemented in order to properly safeguard renters across the country.

In addition to acting as a guide for federal policy, the principles outlined in the Blueprint for a Renters’ Bill of Rights should be used by local and state governments to guide their own renter protections. Looking forward, pro-housing and pro-tenant activists must work together to ensure the White House continues to make progress on renter protections.

YIMBY Action is looking forward to the implementation of this historic plan and will continue to advocate for increased renter protections at the federal, state, and local levels.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jessamyn Garner - email