AANC Government Affairs Update | April 10, 2025

NC UPDATE 

In the North Carolina General Assembly, the House extended its bill filing deadline from April 3 to April 10 to allow members to propose new legislation. AANC is currently tracking 81 bills in the legislature, including everything from an omnibus local government development regulation bill to the regulation of accessory dwelling units, and with the extended deadline there may be more added to the list. A large majority of the bills we are monitoring this year are related to regulatory reform and the land development process, which is a departure from past years when much of the focus had been on landlord-tenant law. 

We expect the pace in the legislature to pick up and bills will start moving fast prior to the May 8th crossover date. As the pace picks up we will be providing details on bills that are most pertinent to our industry, so stay tuned. 

Finally It's also worth noting that the legislature is in spring recess the week of April 21.

Bills of interest in the news:
Several bills filed in state Senate to increase NC’s housing supply | The legislation comes as lawmakers work to resolve the housing crisis made worse by Hurricane Helene.
Bill to allow expedited removal of occupants from residential property moves to NC House floor | Sponsors say bill targets squatters, but some lawmakers raise due process concerns.

FAYETTEVILLE UPDATE

Information provided by Greater Fayetteville Apartment Association (GFAA)

GFAA proudly joined rental housing professionals from across the nation at the NAA Advocate conference in Washington, D.C. As a vital voice from Eastern North Carolina, GFAA brought forward the real-world concerns facing housing providers and residents in the greater Fayetteville region.

The first stop on Capitol Hill was a meeting with Representative David Rouzer’s office, where GFAA representatives met with staffer Bubba White. The team urged the Congressman to support the Respect State Housing Laws Act (H.R. 1078), which would clarify the expiration of the CARES Act and restore eviction authority to state laws. The conversation also focused on rising operational costs—like the staggering 26% increase in property insurance in 2023—and how those increases put pressure on communities where 93 cents of every rent dollar go toward expenses. GFAA also spotlighted the need for urgent FEMA reform, pointing out how multifamily residents are often excluded from crucial recovery programs and funding.

GFAA’s second meeting was with Representative Richard Hudson’s office, where the group met with Congressman and his staffer Katie McNiffe. We thanked him for his sponsorship of the Respect State Housing Laws Act, and he reassured us that he was working on moving the bill forward. The conversation shifted toward tax policy, where GFAA emphasized the urgent need for a pro-housing tax agenda. From expanding the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit to promoting adaptive reuse of commercial properties, the team laid out a multi-pronged approach to increase housing supply and affordability. They also cautioned against proposed changes that would harm development, such as eliminating like-kind exchanges or taxing carried interest as ordinary income.

These impactful meetings reinforced the importance of showing up, speaking out, and advocating for the rental housing industry at the national level. The Advocate conference continues to be an essential platform for apartment associations to connect with lawmakers, promote smart legislation, and help build a stronger housing future for North Carolina and beyond.

PIEDMONT TRIAD UPDATE

Information provided by the Piedmont Triad Apartment Association (PTAA)

The PTAA is hosting Patrick Bowen on the morning of April 15, 2025, to discuss the multifamily components of his recent North Carolina-focused housing reports. The recent release of his regional report on the Carolina Core and the report on the entire state of North Carolina have helped bring housing policy into the spotlight. This is our opportunity to dig into his data and discuss multifamily in the Triad. More information and registration here.

Ben Brockschmidt is asking PTAA members to email him directly with case numbers of evictions caught in the appeals delay. Once the numbers are determined, the plan is to share the number of cases trapped on the appeals treadmill and then meet to discuss with the Appellate Court in Greensboro regarding the long appeals process.  

TRIANGLE UPDATE

Information provided by the Triangle Apartment Association (TAA)

The Housing Affordability Subcommittee is meeting on Tuesday, April 15th from 9:30–10:30 a.m. We’re excited to have Jason Brenner, Staff Attorney at the Durham Housing Authority, presenting to the group.

Then on Wednesday, April 16th, from 9:00–11:00 a.m., the TAA Government Affairs Committee will meet. Our guest speakers will be Sharon Peterson, Wake County’s Long Range Planning Administrator, along with her team.

WESTERN NC UPDATE

Information provided by the Apartment Association of Western North Carolina (AAWNC)

AAWNC participated in the NAA Advocate conference in Washington, D.C., joining housing professionals from around the country to discuss multifamily housing issues on Capitol Hill. On Wednesday, which was Lobby Day, AAWNC representatives met with Representative Chuck Edwards (NC-11) and his staffer, Heather Millett. With 20 advocates from across North Carolina in attendance, the group expressed gratitude for the Congressman’s work during and since Hurricane Helene. The meeting included personal stories from the rental community about the impact of Hurricane Helene and shed light on serious gaps in FEMA’s disaster response for multifamily housing. The Congressman was thanked for his support of the Respect State Housing Laws Act (H.R. 1078), a critical piece of legislation for local housing stability. A group photo with the Congressman—and even a visit with the office dog—made the moment memorable.

The next day, AAWNC met with Senator Ted Budd’s office. Legislative Assistant Benji Easter heard the groups concerns about rental housing post-Hurricane Helene, as well as issues with FEMA and local communication, especially for renters. Senator Budd’s team is working to update FEMA’s procedures and emphasized including multifamily housing in policy discussions.

These meetings were powerful opportunities to ensure that lawmakers understand the challenges and opportunities facing the rental housing industry. Participation in Advocate strengthens our collective ability to influence meaningful housing policy, and AAWNC is proud to be a leading voice for North Carolina's rental housing providers.

NATIONAL UPDATES | Links of Interest

• FHFA reverses part of Biden's Renters Bill of Rights | U.S. Federal Housing Director Bill Pulte has vacated the advance notice requirements for housing funded by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.
• Trump administration considers using federal land for affordable housing | 
  Western states could be the most impacted, according to a Wall Street Journal report. Others say the move is unlikely to meet some of the biggest housing needs in high-cost markets.
• Washington Supreme Court Sides with Housing Provider on CARES Act Notice Interpretation | The Washington Supreme Court held that the CARES Act 30-day notice only applies when evicting a resident for nonpayment of rent.