Senate BillS 2668Housing and Community Development
HOME Act of 2025
INTRO AUG 1· LAST ACTION AUG 1
READING
12MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because housing affordability is a major concern for many Americans, with rising rents and home prices making it difficult for individuals and families to find stable housing. If passed, it would provide a federal mechanism to prevent what is deemed price gouging in the housing market during times of crisis, potentially offering a safeguard against rapid and unreasonable price increases that can displace residents and exacerbate financial hardship. This is especially relevant during economic downturns, natural disasters, or periods of high inflation where housing costs often surge.
Without this bill, there would be no federal law specifically targeting excessive residential housing prices during an affordable housing crisis, leaving consumers vulnerable to potentially exploitative pricing practices. Passing this bill would introduce a new regulatory framework that gives the federal government and states more power to intervene, while its failure would mean the continuation of the current system where housing prices are primarily dictated by market forces, with limited federal intervention to curb rapid increases during specific crisis periods.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Authorizes the Secretary of HUD to declare an "affordable housing crisis period" in the United States.
This provision establishes the trigger for when the bill's protections against excessive pricing would go into effect nationwide.
PROVISION 02
Prohibits the renting or selling of single-family housing at "unconscionably excessive" prices during a declared crisis.
This is the core prohibition of the bill, directly targeting what it defines as price gouging in the housing market.
PROVISION 03
Outlines specific factors for HUD to consider when determining if a crisis exists, such as interest rates, median home/rental prices, and household income.
These factors provide clear guidelines and a basis for HUD's decision-making, aiming for consistent application of the law.
PROVISION 04
Establishes an affirmative defense for landlords or sellers if their price increase reasonably reflects additional costs or risks.
This defense protects individuals from being penalized if their price adjustments are due to legitimate changes in their expenses or market conditions, rather than exploitation.
PROVISION 05
Empowers HUD and State Attorneys General to enforce violations, allowing them to seek injunctions, civil penalties, damages, and restitution.
This provision ensures that there are mechanisms and authorities in place to take action against those who violate the pricing prohibitions.
This bill matters because housing affordability is a major concern for many Americans, with rising rents and home prices making it difficult for individuals and families to find stable housing. If passed, it would provide a federal mechanism to prevent what is deemed price gouging in the housing market during times of crisis, potentially offering a safeguard against rapid and unreasonable price increases that can displace residents and exacerbate financial hardship. This is especially relevant during economic downturns, natural disasters, or periods of high inflation where housing costs often surge.
Without this bill, there would be no federal law specifically targeting excessive residential housing prices during an affordable housing crisis, leaving consumers vulnerable to potentially exploitative pricing practices. Passing this bill would introduce a new regulatory framework that gives the federal government and states more power to intervene, while its failure would mean the continuation of the current system where housing prices are primarily dictated by market forces, with limited federal intervention to curb rapid increases during specific crisis periods.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Authorizes the Secretary of HUD to declare an "affordable housing crisis period" in the United States.
This provision establishes the trigger for when the bill's protections against excessive pricing would go into effect nationwide.
high
Prohibits the renting or selling of single-family housing at "unconscionably excessive" prices during a declared crisis.
This is the core prohibition of the bill, directly targeting what it defines as price gouging in the housing market.
med
Outlines specific factors for HUD to consider when determining if a crisis exists, such as interest rates, median home/rental prices, and household income.
These factors provide clear guidelines and a basis for HUD's decision-making, aiming for consistent application of the law.
med
Establishes an affirmative defense for landlords or sellers if their price increase reasonably reflects additional costs or risks.
This defense protects individuals from being penalized if their price adjustments are due to legitimate changes in their expenses or market conditions, rather than exploitation.
high
Empowers HUD and State Attorneys General to enforce violations, allowing them to seek injunctions, civil penalties, damages, and restitution.
This provision ensures that there are mechanisms and authorities in place to take action against those who violate the pricing prohibitions.
Civil penalties (amount not specified, but consistent with FTC Act penalties for unfair or deceptive practices)
Any person violating the unconscionable pricing prohibition
civil
Damages, restitution, or other compensation
Any person violating the unconscionable pricing prohibition, on behalf of State residents
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Affordable housing crisis period
A time when the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development officially declares that the United States is experiencing a housing crisis, triggering a ban on excessive housing prices.
Secretary
Refers to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the head of the federal agency responsible for housing and urban development.
Single-family housing
A residential property that contains 1 to 4 living units, but does not include apartments in condominium or cooperative housing projects.
Unconscionably excessive pricing
A price that is so unreasonably high that it appears the seller or landlord is exploiting an affordable housing crisis to make unfair profits, taking into account factors like the price before the crisis or prices for similar homes.
Federal Register
The official daily publication of the U.S. government that announces proposed and final regulations, public notices, and executive orders.
Affirmative defense
A legal argument or evidence that a defendant presents to avoid civil or criminal liability, even if the prosecution or plaintiff's claims are true. In this bill, it's about proving increased costs justified a price hike.
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
AUG 1, 25
Introduced in Senate
INTROREFERRAL
AUG 1, 25
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
Charging an unreasonably high price for essential goods or services, especially during an emergency or crisis when demand is high and supply is limited. This bill aims to prevent this in housing.
