Choice in Affordable Housing Act of 2023
The bill aims to enhance participation through multiple incentives. Notably, it establishes the Herschel Lashkowitz Housing Partnership Fund, which will be allocated $100 million each year over the next five years to support initiatives such as one-time incentive payments to landlords, security deposit assistance, and bonuses for public housing agencies that employ landlord liaisons. These actions are expected to improve relationships between landlords and housing authorities, thereby bolstering the availability of rental units for voucher holders, particularly in low-poverty areas that are considered high-opportunity neighborhoods.
House Bill 4606, also known as the 'Choice in Affordable Housing Act of 2023', proposes to increase landlord participation in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. The bill recognizes the significant reduction in landlord involvement in the HCV program, which has seen an average of 10,000 landlords exit the program annually between 2010 and 2016. The program has greatly benefited low-income families, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly by providing access to decent and safe housing in the private market. However, declining participation poses a risk to the ongoing effectiveness of this critical assistance program.
Some points of contention could arise from the implementation of stringent housing quality standards and inspection requirements that may inadvertently discourage landlords from participating due to the potential burdens associated with compliance. Additionally, adjustments to payment structures, such as the proposed inclusion of 'small area fair market rents,' could face scrutiny from stakeholders concerned about the feasibility of maintaining adequate housing supply while ensuring fair payment levels for landlords, especially in diverse metropolitan areas.