S. 2463: Eviction Right to Counsel Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Eviction Right to Counsel Act of 2025, aims to support low-income tenants by providing them with legal representation in eviction proceedings. The primary focus of the legislation is to establish a fund that will grant financial resources to state and local governments that implement or enact laws ensuring the right to counsel for these tenants.

Key Provisions

• Eligibility Criteria: The bill defines "covered individuals" as tenants whose incomes are at or below 200% of the federal poverty line. It outlines "covered proceedings" as legal actions related to eviction or termination of housing subsidies.
• Establishment of a Fund: An Eviction Right to Counsel Fund will be created within the U.S. Treasury, with authorization for $100 million each year from 2026 to 2030. This fund aims to cover the costs associated with granting rights to legal counsel for eligible low-income tenants.

Grant Funding

The bill requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to set up a program to provide grants to entities that pass or implement right to counsel laws. Eligible entities include:

• State governments
• Local governments
• Indian Tribal governments

Application Process

• Applications need to certify that the entity either has enacted relevant legislation or is financially supporting its implementation.

Priority for Grant Selection

The Secretary will prioritize applications from entities that:

• Have laws limiting eviction reasons for tenants not at fault
• Require landlords to provide at least 30 days of written notice before eviction
• Establish programs to divert evictions
• Provide emergency rental assistance for tenants

Additionally, entities that plan to use funds for training and recruiting attorneys specifically for representing low-income tenants will be favored.

Use of Funds

Grant recipients will be allowed to utilize the funds for various expenses linked to the enforcement of right to counsel legislation, which includes but is not limited to:

• Training resources for attorneys
• Costs associated with providing legal representation for covered individuals

Impact and Implementation

By providing financial resources and establishing clear guidelines, the bill aims to enhance access to legal help for tenants who might otherwise face eviction without representation. This approach is intended to potentially lower eviction rates and increase tenant security in housing matters.

Relevant Companies

None found