A coalition of nine U.S. attorneys general released a statement applauding the Biden-Harris administration’s new plan to protect tenants, strengthen fair housing laws, and expand access to affordable housing. The steps align with the government’s Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights, which lays out a set of principles to drive action by the federal government, state, local partners, and the private sector to strengthen tenant protections and encourage rental affordability.
“Once again, the Biden-Harris administration has made clear that supporting hardworking Americans and ensuring that we all are equally protected under the law are top priorities,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James on behalf of the coalition. “Too many people across the country are facing record-high housing costs, and families are struggling to find safe and affordable housing. Today’s announcement is a comprehensive plan that will address many of the challenges that people are facing every day and will help strengthen our ability to regulate and enforce fair housing laws and confront the other systemic issues that prevent people from finding a home. We look forward to continuing our work with our partners at the local, state, and federal level to ensure that no one is discriminated against or taken advantage of as they seek this most basic life necessity.”
James has been on a mission to protect tenant rights in her jurisdiction since December 2019, when she launched a successful investigation into housing discrimination practices at multiple Long Island brokerages. In addition, she has taken action against landlords that violated lead protection laws, putting tenants, and especially children, at risk. She has also been committed to preserving and expanding affordable housing throughout New York state.
Joining Attorney General James in issuing this statement are Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, and District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb.
Find out more about the Biden-Harris administration’s housing protection plan here:www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements
