H.R.3214 - Housing Oversight and Mitigating Exploitation Act of 2025; HOME Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3214, the Housing Oversight and Mitigating Exploitation Act of 2025, aims to protect consumers from price gouging in residential rental and sale prices during affordable housing crises. The bill empowers the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to declare an affordable housing crisis and prohibits unconscionable pricing during such periods. It also establishes a Housing Monitoring and Enforcement Unit within HUD to oversee housing market data and investigate market manipulation.
Expected Effects
The bill's enactment would likely lead to increased government oversight of the housing market, potentially stabilizing rental and sale prices during crises. It could also deter exploitative pricing practices by lessors and sellers. However, it may also introduce regulatory burdens and potential challenges in defining and enforcing 'unconscionable pricing'.
Potential Benefits
- Protection against price gouging during housing crises.
- Increased transparency in the housing market through data collection and analysis.
- Enhanced enforcement capabilities to address market manipulation.
- Support for low-income housing through penalties collected from violations.
- Potential for more affordable housing options for vulnerable populations.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for bureaucratic overreach and regulatory burdens on housing providers.
- Challenges in accurately defining and enforcing 'unconscionable pricing'.
- Risk of unintended consequences, such as reduced housing supply due to regulatory uncertainty.
- Possible delays in housing transactions due to increased scrutiny.
- Costs associated with establishing and maintaining the Housing Monitoring and Enforcement Unit.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is complex. Congress has the power to regulate interstate commerce under Article I, Section 8, which could justify federal intervention in housing markets. However, the extent of federal power over housing is a subject of ongoing debate, particularly regarding the balance between federal authority and state autonomy. The Fifth Amendment's Takings Clause could also be relevant if regulations unduly restrict property rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).