How can Renters Benefit from President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act

Understanding the Bill’s Housing Impacts for Renters

1. Expanded Low‑Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)

The bill notably increases and extends LIHTC, a key tool for financing affordable rental construction and preservation. Analysts estimate this could create or preserve over 1 million units between 2026 and 2035 .

2. Stimulus for Private Rental Development

With tax incentives locked in—like permanent bonus depreciation and QBI deductions—developers have stronger incentives to build rental housing. That may slowly ease rental supply constraints .

3. Uneven Geographic Effects

Other provisions, like expanded SALT deductions, primarily aid homeowners in high-tax states. While they don’t directly help renters, they stabilize broader housing dynamics .


---

What Renters Stand to Gain

• More Affordable Rental Options Over Time

Thanks to LIHTC, the supply of income-restricted rentals should increase, offering more units at lower rents—especially near city centers.

• Competition-Friendly Market Dynamics

As new apartment inventory ramps up, landlords face more pressure to attract tenants. According to experts, this is already driving rent concessions: free months, waived fees, and negotiated terms .

 How Renters Can Maximize Value Today

1. Target Income-Restricted Housing

Look for LIHTC-subsidized developments—these units often come with income caps but offer below-market rents and long-term stability.

2. Negotiate Strategically

Use the current surplus of apartments to:

Ask for free or reduced rent months

Negotiate lower security deposits or add-ons

Leverage strong credit and payment history  


3. Timing is Key

Landlords are most flexible during leasing lulls—summer and fall. If your lease is expiring soon, shop around and negotiate before renewal.

4. Monitor Local New Builds

Keep an eye on new apartment completions. Focus your searches in areas where LIHTC projects are underway or there’s a building boom.

5. Explore Rent-to-Own or Rent Crediting Programs

Some states or developers are piloting schemes allowing rent payments to qualify toward future mortgages—worth investigating .


📈 Short-Term vs. Long-Term Outlook

Horizon Outlook for Renters

Short-term (6–18 mo) Rental concessions are up; now's a renter's market.
Mid-term (2–5 yrs) More units built—particularly via LIHTC—will slowly ease rents. Less urgency.
Long-term (5+ yrs) Sustained supply growth may stabilize or reduce rents in some markets.

How to Take Full Advantage

Act now: Negotiate before construction slows; developers will pull back after 2026.

Use LIHTC filters: State housing authorities’ websites are often treasure troves.

Keep proof of reliability: Credit score, reference letters, and stable income can provide leverage.

Stay flexible: Willingness to move mid-lease or sign longer terms can unlock landlord incentives.

Watch legislative changes: Some benefits phase out (like LIHTC boost after 2035), so timing matters.

Bottom Line

Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” doesn’t overhaul renter protections—but it does pave the way for more affordable rental housing and gives renters leverage in negotiations, especially right now. The keys are to stay informed, negotiate smart, and choose when and where to rent wisely.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Using Astrophotography to Locate your Perfect Home

Moving to Thailand: Navigating the Thai Immigration Visa Process for US Citizens

Empowered & Homebound: A Single Woman’s Guide to Manifesting Real Estate Success in Today’s Growing Cities