Eviction Right to Counsel Act of 2025
The Eviction Right to Counsel Act of 2025 would create a new federal fund to help states, local governments, and Indian tribal governments provide legal representation to low-income tenants facing eviction or the termination of a housing subsidy. The act defines a “covered individual” as a tenant earning no more than 200% of the federal poverty level and a “covered proceeding” as a civil eviction case or a housing subsidy termination. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development would run a grant program, offering up to $100 million per year (for fiscal years 2026–2030) to eligible entities that enact right-to-counsel laws or are financially responsible for implementing them. Grants would be prioritized for jurisdictions that already enact protective eviction laws, require at least 30 days’ notice, run eviction diversion programs, or provide emergency rental assistance, and for entities that use funds to train and recruit attorneys to represent tenants. Funds may be used to cover costs of the right-to-counsel program, including attorney training resources.
Key Points
- 1Establishes the Eviction Right to Counsel Fund in the U.S. Treasury and authorizes $100 million per year (FY 2026–2030) to make grants for implementing right-to-counsel laws.
- 2Eligible recipients are State governments, local governments, or Indian Tribal governments that enact right-to-counsel legislation or are fiscally responsible for implementing it.
- 3Defines covered individuals as tenants with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty line and covered proceedings as eviction actions or termination of a housing subsidy.
- 4Grants are awarded through a program run by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, with applications requiring certification that the entity has enacted or fiscally committed to implementing such legislation.
- 5Prioritizes funding for jurisdictions that: limit eviction causes for tenants not at fault, require at least 30 days’ notice, establish eviction diversion programs, or provide emergency rental assistance; and for funds allocated to attorney training and recruitment to represent covered individuals.