H.R. 5909: To direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish procedures for reporting of condemned Federally assisted rental housing and to authorize penalties related to such condemned housing, and for other purposes.

This bill aims to enhance the oversight and accountability of Federally assisted rental housing that has been condemned. Here is a breakdown of its main provisions:

1. Reporting System

The bill mandates the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to create a system within six months of the bill being enacted. This system will allow tenants of federally assisted rental housing to report to HUD if their housing has been condemned by any government agency (local, state, or federal).

2. Civil Penalties for Noncompliance

If a property owner fails to adhere to the guidelines regarding condemned housing, HUD may impose a civil penalty. This penalty can be as high as $50,000 on owners of federally assisted rental units that have been condemned.

3. Definition of Federally Assisted Rental Housing

The bill specifies what constitutes "Federally assisted rental housing." This term includes various types of housing that receive financial aid or benefits from federal programs. Some examples of these programs are:

• Low-Income Housing Tax Credit
• Transitional housing assistance programs for victims of domestic violence
• Supportive services for very low-income veteran families
• Public housing programs
• Section 8 rental assistance programs
• Housing Trust Fund programs
• Programs for housing assistance for Native Americans
• Programs for rental housing assistance providing affordable options for low and moderate-income individuals

The bill seeks to ensure these housing units are properly maintained and that tenants have a clear avenue to report unsafe living conditions when properties are condemned, protecting the rights and welfare of residents in these federally supported homes.

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