NAA/NMHC Applaud Members of Congress for Swift Passage of Vital Federal Housing Reforms

July 21, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – (RealEstateRama) — Statement from the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) and National Apartment Association (NAA) released in response to the passage of “The Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act” in Congress:

“We applaud the U.S. House and Senate for the swift passage of ‘The Housing Opportunity through Modernization Act,’ which maximizes the impact of taxpayer dollars and eliminates inefficiencies in critical federal housing programs. This vital legislation streamlines the Section 8 Voucher Program’s property inspection process by allowing immediate occupancy if the apartment home has been inspected within the past 24 months. The bill will also extend the contract term for project based vouchers from 15 to 20 years.

“NMHC and NAA members have worked tirelessly to push these reforms over the finish line. We also joined with a broad coalition of real estate and housing advocacy groups in urging Congress to pass the legislation without delay. Ultimately, these reforms help housing providers and low- and moderate-income families by reducing the length of time apartments are left vacant and limiting move-in delays for Section 8 voucher holders.

“The bill passed both the House and Senate chambers with overwhelming bipartisan support. We especially thank Representatives Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO) and Emanuel Clever (D-MO), and Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Tim Scott (R-SC), Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Chris Coons (D-DE), for working to implement these common sense housing reforms.”

Learn more about apartments at www.weareapartments.org.

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For nearly 25 years, the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) and the National Apartment Association (NAA) have partnered on behalf of America’s apartment industry. Drawing on the knowledge and policy expertise of staff in Washington, D.C., as well as the advocacy power of nearly 170 NAA state and local affiliated associations, NAA and NMHC provide a single voice for developers, owners and operators of multifamily rental housing. One-third of Americans rent their housing and 38 million people live in an apartment home. For more information, contact:

NMHC at (202) 974-2300 or or www.nmhc.org.