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  • Comment Detail

  • Date: 07/31/23
    First Name: Jaylyn
    Last Name: Ridgeway
    Email: j.ridgeway3@gmail.com
    Organization Type: N/A
    Organization: Faith in the Valley

  • Comment

    Dear Dir Thompson,

    The rent is too damn high. Landlords have too much power over our lives and our homes.

    The government is in business with many landlords, offering them favorable loan terms to finance their businesses. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, also known as the “Government Sponsored Enterprises,” work with banks to offer $150 billion to landlords in financing every year, without any strings attached.

    Here’s the good news: As a result of tenant organizing, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), which regulates Fannie and Freddie, is now deciding whether to condition government-backed loans on a set of tenant protections. These protections could include regulations on rent hikes and evictions, housing safety requirements, bans on discrimination, and more. If enacted, they could benefit over 12.4 million rental homes across the country.
    The FHFA is now seeking comments from tenants and advocates to inform this decision. Tell the government what you need to see from them and join the Homes Guarantee Campaign in calling for limits on annual rent hikes at 1.5 times the CPI or 3%, whichever is lower.