The HELP Act of 2026 is legislation designed to combat evictions and protect low-income renters in federally assisted housing. The bill creates a comprehensive eviction database requiring housing authorities to report detailed information about evictions to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, including reasons for evictions, tenant income, disability status, race and ethnicity, and whether tenants had legal representation. It establishes a competitive grant program to fund legal assistance organizations that provide free eviction prevention and legal aid services to low-income tenants, with preference given to organizations serving areas with high eviction rates and rural communities. The bill also amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to prohibit credit bureaus from including eviction records or rent arrears on consumer credit reports, protecting renters' financial futures. Additionally, the legislation requires housing providers to inform tenants annually of their rights and responsibilities, mandates that eviction notices explain the reason for eviction, and directs the HUD Secretary to establish a hotline providing information and resources to tenants facing eviction within one year of the bill's enactment. The bill authorizes necessary funding for grants and legal assistance programs but does not specify a dollar amount.
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