The Biden administration is proposing a $15,000 downpayment tax credit to help potential homebuyers who can afford monthly mortgage payments but do not have savings for a downpayment. In this seminar, researchers will discuss two Center-supported projects focused on who might be aided by downpayment assistance and the choices policymakers will need to make as they move forward with the plan. Raheem Hanifa, a Center research analyst, will discuss research he is doing (with Chris Herbert and Daniel McCue) on the demographics of renters who would most benefit from downpayment assistance, as well as the regional differences in the share of required downpayments that would be covered by $15,000 in assistance. Benjamin Ward, a former Center researcher, will discuss his research into downpayment assistance programs in four other countries – Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand – and how those programs illustrate the key design choices that US policymakers will have to make as they move forward with the Biden proposal.
Fair Rents, Fair Bills: Understanding Rent & Utility Regulations
JOIN US VIRTUALLY ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH 12PM
Join us for a learning session about San José’s Rent Stabilization Program and possible updates to the city’s rules on how utilities are billed in rental housing (known as Ratio Utility Billing Services, or RUBS).
We’ll break down:
- What rent stabilization means
- How RUBS works
- And what these proposed changes could mean for renters and housing providers
You’ll also learn how to share your feedback and get involved as the city considers these updates and how it can impact you.