Policies > Renewing America > Section 1

Improving Access to Affordable Housing

Prior to the pandemic, the United States was already dealing with significant housing issues, including high rents, unattainable housing prices, and a lack of housing stock. These problems were especially acute for people of color: black households are twice as likely to rent as white households, and housing costs account for a heavier cost burden: Among Black Americans, 55% pay more than 30% of their income toward housing compared to 40% of white Americans. People of color are also subject to much higher rates of eviction, and tend to have fewer assets to withstand economic shocks.

While the pandemic has shattered unemployment records, the housing system has not been affected as deeply as anticipated thus far, in part as a result of temporary federal stimulus. According to data from the National Multifamily Housing Council, the number of households making a full or partial rent payment has been only 2-3 percentage points lower in comparison to 2019 collections. Homeowners and loan holders are making mortgage payments at rates similar to pre-pandemic levels.

While many states and municipalities acted swiftly to keep people in their homes as the public health emergency emerged, renters across the board are about to face a much harsher reality, as eviction moratoria end even as unemployment remains high. Instability in rent payments could also trigger larger problems, as the majority of rental housing owners are “mom and pop” operators, not large companies. State and local leaders across the country must take additional steps to stem the impact of the pandemic on housing and prevent Americans from falling into a deeper crisis.

Rebuilding a New Normal: Key Principles and Policy Goals

Guiding principle: Policymakers shouldn’t simply strive to reach pre-pandemic status quo, but must prioritize solutions that address prior inequalities.

  • Ease Strained Budgets

    To ease the burden on strained budgets, specifically focus state and local direct aid on those most in need and those who slip through the cracks of federal support programs.

  • Prioritize Direct Aid

    Prioritize direct aid like rent assistance over continued eviction moratoria

  • Smaller Landlord Support

    Support “mom and pop” landlords - federal aid programs are largely helping households, and the widespread failure of smaller landlords could trigger a large-scale meltdown.

  • Improve Data Collection

    Improve timely data collection, especially on evictions, but ensure that people are not penalized for being evicted in the past. Data must include breakdowns by race and other subgroups to give a clear picture of who is affected by increased evictions.

  • Evicted Tenants Safety Net

    Create a highly-targeted, housing-specific safety net for evicted tenants and others at risk of homelessness, and make funds spent work for a dual purpose by partnering with local under-occupied hotels to house those in need.

  • Continued Support of Affordable Housing

    Support the continued construction of affordable housing stock.

  • Address Underlying Structural Issues

    Address underlying structural issues, like ending restrictive and discriminatory zoning, providing support and resources for community-based organizations, and address gaps in employment, income and wealth.

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