Trump HUD Time Limit Could Evict 1.4 M Low‑Income Renters/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A Trump-era HUD proposal to limit rental assistance to two years could impact 1.4 million low‑income U.S. households, researchers from NYU warn. Many are working families with children who rely on subsidies to offset high rents. Critics say the policy would dismantle stable housing for vulnerable families and disrupt HUD contracts with private landlords.
HUD Time Limit: Quick Looks
- Proposed Rule: HUD would cap rental aid at two years.
- At Risk: 1.4 million households—mostly working families with kids—could lose subsidies.
- NYU Study: Warns of “substantial disruption,” modernization pilots failed.
- Real People: Single mothers Havalah Hopkins and Aaliyah Barnes would be affected.
- Landlords Worried: Private rental contracts threatened; landlords may pull back.
- HUD Rationale: Officials argue limits encourage work and stop abuse.
- Opposition: Democrats, housing advocates predict chaos, more homelessness.
- Uncertain Rollout: No details on enforcement, exemptions or start dates.
- Pilot Failures: Few local authorities tried similar limits—most discontinued them.
- Next Steps: HUD 2026 budget review underway; legal and policy fight ahead.
Trump HUD Time Limit Could Evict 1.4 M Low‑Income Renters
Deep Look
WOODINVILLE, Wash. (AP) — Havalah Hopkins, a single mom in subsidized housing, relies on rental aid and gig-work to support her autistic son. Under Trump administration rules, she could be evicted after just two years—even though local rents exceed her income.
This proposal follows NYU Housing Solutions Lab findings—shared exclusively with AP—showing that among the 4.9 million households receiving HUD rental aid, approximately 1.4 million would lose their benefits. That amounts to nearly 70% of families enrolled at least two years, and nearly all are working but still below area median income.
HUD’s Two-Year Limit Push
HUD Secretary Scott Turner defended the proposal as a fix to “waste and fraud,” reinforcing HUD’s original mission of temporary help. HUD spokesperson Kasey Lovett cited employment statistics to assert that time-limited aid encourages work.
But critics argue this policy overturns HUD’s promise of long-term assistance for those who need it, particularly when record-high rents make alternatives unaffordable. With no clarity on time-tracking or exemption rules—especially for families with children—implementation is murky and potentially chaotic.
Lives Disrupted
- Hopkins’s Story: Paying $450/month rent for a public housing unit that would cost over $2,000 privately. She credits the subsidy for escaping an abusive situation and providing stability. Forced eviction after two years would recreate life-threatening instability.
- Student-Mom Aaliyah Barnes: A 3-year college student and her toddler son live in subsidized housing during her program. The deadline occurs in her third year, threatening her degree completion and her family’s housing security.
Stable homes have shown profound benefits for children—including better education, health, and future earnings—notes Claudia Aiken of NYU.
Pilot Programs Faltered
Only 17 housing authorities have voluntarily tried time limits. Eleven dropped them due to excessive evictions despite support services, illustrating the limits of one-size-fits-all mandates. Programs might improve voucher availability, but may destabilize recipients and risk legal contract breaches with landlords.
Private Landlord Concerns
The National Leased Housing Association warned that two-year limits may cause leasing instability and increased turnover costs. Private landlords, who provide many HUD-subsidized units, fear they’ll stop participating unless subsidy duration stabilizes. A Chicago-area HUD landlord noted rising uncertainty threatens housing supply.
What’s Next?
Congressional appropriations for HUD 2026 haven’t yet incorporated time limits, but the administration plans to proceed via regulatory rule-making. Housing advocates like Rep. James Clyburn argue there’s no cost savings and fewer homeless protections. HUD anticipates clarifying policy details but adviser Noëlle Porter warns imposing limits is “wildly unpopular.”
You must Register or Login to post a comment.