What does Preamble of HELP Act of 2026 do?

This bill aims to create a database of eviction information It establishes grant programs for eviction prevention and legal aid It limits the use of housing court-related records in consumer reports

What does SHORT TITLE. of HELP Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Housing Emergencies Lifeline Program Act of 2026.

What does DATABASE OF EVICTION INFORMATION. of HELP Act of 2026 do?

This section mandates the creation of a database of eviction information. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development requires states and local entities receiving covered housing assistance to submit annual reports on evictions from assisted dwelling units. These reports must include details about each household facing eviction, such as the reason for eviction, arrearage amounts (if applicable), eviction date, address, legal representation, and days to vacate. Reports must also include individual-level data, including name, income, disability status, demographic information, foster care history, health conditions, homelessness history, and criminal record (if available). The Secretary must establish data retention limitations and privacy/security requirements, including redacting names and using anonymous identifiers. The database should be disaggregated by census tract and demographic factors like income, race, gender, and disability. The Secretary must implement privacy protections to prevent disclosure of personally identifiable information, with exceptions for academic research. The Secretary may provide full, unredacted data to academic institutions for research on eviction causes and civil rights adherence.

What does EVICTION PROTECTION GRANT PROGRAM. of HELP Act of 2026 do?

The Secretary shall establish a grant program for eligible entities. Grants are for providing legal assistance to low-income tenants at risk of eviction. Eligible entities must be nonprofit or government entities. The Secretary shall give preference to entities with experience and capacity to administer no-cost legal assistance. Grants shall be used to assist tenants in both urban and rural areas.

What does CONSUMER REPORTS. of HELP Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Section 605(a) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The amendment adds two new categories of information to be excluded from consumer reports. These categories are evictions and information related to evictions, and adverse items related to rent or utility arrears. The amendment applies to consumer reports issued on or after the enactment date of this Act.

What does EVICTION INFORMATION. of HELP Act of 2026 do?

This section requires the Secretary to issue rules mandating that owners of covered federally assisted rental dwelling units provide tenants with written information annually regarding eviction rights and responsibilities, and local assistance resources. Upon providing an eviction notice, owners must state the reason(s) for the eviction in writing. All notices must clarify that tenant rights and responsibilities are subject to state and local law. The Secretary must also establish a hotline to assist tenants of covered federally assisted rental dwelling units with eviction-related matters. The hotline must be visible, accessible in multiple languages, accommodate disabilities, and maintain adequate staffing. Hotline assistance must direct callers to resources like legal aid and inform them of their rights and responsibilities.

What does DEFINITIONS. of HELP Act of 2026 do?

This section defines key terms used throughout the Act. “Assistance” is defined as any form of financial assistance, excluding loan or mortgage insurance/guarantees. “Covered federally assisted rental dwelling unit” refers to residential units made available for rent and receiving assistance under various HUD programs or having a federally backed mortgage. “Covered housing” includes dwelling units assisted by programs like Section 8, public housing, and supportive housing programs. “Covered housing assistance” refers to assistance provided under the programs listed as “covered housing.” “Legal counsel” is defined as full representation by an attorney. “Owner” is defined broadly to include private persons, entities, government agencies, and public housing agencies with the legal right to lease or sublease units. “Secretary” refers to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

Back to bills

HELP Act of 2026

Last updated: 4/2/2026 · Introduced: 4/2/2026

Author: Ayanna Pressley (D-MA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a national database of eviction information, requiring states and local entities receiving housing assistance to submit annual reports with detailed household and individual-level data, while implementing privacy protections and allowing limited data access for research.
The legislation creates a grant program to fund legal assistance for low-income tenants facing eviction, prioritizing experienced nonprofit and government entities serving both urban and rural areas.
This bill amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to exclude eviction records and related adverse rent or utility arrears information from consumer reports.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 5 more.

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