Apartment Advocate

NAA Government Affairs’ bi-monthly publication combines all aspects of apartment industry advocacy into one go-to resource. The Apartment Advocate highlights key developments and viewpoints in industry public policy at all levels of government, and helps NAA members explore advocacy pathways.

It's Up to You: NAA Lawsuit Q&A

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NAA’s Legal Counsel John McDermott tackles frequently asked questions about our newest legal endeavor. Q: Let’s assume I’m an eligible property owner. Why is it crucial for me to join the lawsuit? In other words if others join the lawsuit why do I need to? A: First and foremost, let me be clear.…

NAA Advocacy Case Study: Eviction Moratorium

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It’s better to have a seat at the table than to be on the menu. It’s even better if you bring a dish. By Austin O’Boyle and Jim Wilson Pictured: Members of the Apartment Association of Greater Dallas host a Site Visit with Rep. Pat Fallon (TX-04, third from left, back row) The challenge:…

Flood Insurance Will Look Different in 2022. Here’s Why.

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Policyholders under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) can expect big changes soon. The federal government’s voluntary flood mitigation effort for property owners and operators will implement a new methodology for setting premium rates called Risk Rating 2.0. Under current rating…

Forbearance for Enterprise-backed Multifamily Mortgages Continues with No Expiration

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On September 24, 2021, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced that it will continue to allow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) to offer COVID-19 forbearance to qualifying multifamily property owners. Property owners with Enterprise-backed multifamily mortgages may continue…

Congress Considers Rental Assistance Program Reform

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On September 17, the House Financial Services Committee (HFSC) passed H.R. 5196, as amended, by a party line vote of 28-22. The bill reforms the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) and redefines how state and local grantees should structure their programs and distribute federal rental…

#ICYMI: September Public Policy Outlook Report Released

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This month’s edition offers an industry outlook and highlights emerging legislative and regulatory issues affecting rental housing. In case you missed it, the September edition of the Policy Outlook Report, a new resource from the National Apartment Association (NAA) featuring insights from the NAA…

NAA Voices Concerns Over Proposal to Reinstate HUD’s 2013 Disparate Impact Rule

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The National Apartment Association (NAA) and National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) joined a coalition of housing providers to file comments with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) voicing concerns over the agency’s proposal to reinstate HUD’s 2013 Rule on…

New OSHA Guidelines Urge Workplace Vaccinations

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Of interest to rental housing owners and operators, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) recently released updated guidance that encourages employers to mandate COVID-19 vaccines for employees returning to work. The guidance also suggests that workplaces should continue…

New Plan Signals White House Commitment to Housing

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President Biden has taken several steps to ensure an increase in the supply of affordable housing, according to a new fact sheet on the Administration’s housing agenda released on September 1, 2021. In the plan, the White House lays out four areas in which immediate action has been taken to drive…

Third Time’s The Charm? Treasury Updates Rental Assistance Guidance

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On August 25, 2021, the U.S. Department of Treasury (USDT) released its third edition of guidance to help state and local administrators improve their rental assistance programs and accelerate distribution of federal Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program grants. While a number of the changes to…