Stable Homes Act

Establishment of Diversion Programs: Local governments can use grant funds to create or grow programs that help resolve rental disputes before they reach formal eviction proceedings (Section 2(a), 2(c), and 2(h)).

Standardized Notices: The Secretary can provide technical assistance, such as model forms, to ensure tenants can easily access information regarding their rights to participate in diversion programs (Section 2(d)).

Mandatory Notification: Landlords must notify tenants in writing about their right to participate in a diversion program, which includes an explanation that participating does not waive legal rights like the right to a trial (Section 2(h)(1)).

Protection During Disputes: If a tenant chooses to participate, both landlords and tenants must participate in good faith for at least 30 days before a landlord can start formal eviction proceedings (Section 2(h)(2)).

Access to Resolution Services: Programs must include options such as direct rental assistance, mediation, or housing counselors to help resolve disputes (Section 2(h)(3)).

Legal Representation: Tenants whose income is at or below 200 percent of the Federal poverty line have a right to counsel at no cost if the landlord has legal counsel (Section 2(h)(6)).

Tenant Defenses: If a landlord fails to follow the program requirements, the tenant can use that noncompliance as a defense in court (Section 2(h)(5)).

Mandatory Participation Period: Landlords and tenants are required to participate in the program for a minimum of 30 days before formal eviction proceedings can begin, which may delay the process (Section 2(h)(2)).

Exceptions to Protection: The requirements of the diversion program do not apply in cases where an eviction is necessary to prevent an imminent threat of physical harm (Section 2(h)(4)).