January 06, 2022

In Los Angeles, landlords are prohibited from raising the cost of more than 650,000 rent-stabilized units across the city, which represents nearly three-quarters of LA’s apartment stock. The ban on rent hikes will be in place until 2023 to support LA tenants who are still struggling financially from the pandemic. “Angelenos should be focused on staying healthy and staying safe—not whether they can afford their home when they’re hurting financially as a result of this virus,” said Mayor Garcetti.

Mariah Lopez, an activist with the Strategic Transgender Alliance for Radical Reform, recently won a four-year legal battle to ensure dedicated, separate housing for trans and gender nonconforming people experiencing homelessness in shelters across New York City. Under the recent settlement, the city will provide 30 beds dedicated to trans people in city shelters in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Manhattan, with access to single-stall toilets and showers or private bathrooms. “We intend to keep listening to feedback from partners and advocates, with the shared goal of ensuring the most affirming and inclusive environment for all,” said Isaac McGinn, a spokesperson for the city’s department of homeless services.

In Washington State, the Nooksack Tribe plans to evict more than 300 people who have no direct ancestors from their homes. After an ongoing disenrollment battle, these members have been cut off from educational aid, health services, financial stipends, and are now facing eviction. These ousted members are seeking federal intervention to stay in their homes. Although the federal government funds tribal housing programs, the situation raises concerns over challenging tribal sovereignty. The federal government has asked the tribe to halt evictions for 30 days so they can review the situation.

In late November, officials in Montgomery County, Texas, voted to return $7 million of federal rent relief to the federal government as it reallocates funds to states and localities in need. Though the statewide rent relief program closed applications after running out of money, the county still has $10 million they plan to distribute. After launching an online portal in November, which received more than 500 applications, it is clear the need for rental assistance is still prevalent despite the county moving to return funds.