NC H404

Legislative Research Commission directed to study affordable housing availability in metropolitan and rural areas, including publicly owned land for development, existing subsidies and programs, challenges facing those needing affordable housing, and best practices from other states, with findings due to the 2026 Regular Session

"Source of income" added as a protected class under the State Fair Housing Act, prohibiting housing discrimination against renters or buyers based on income from lawful employment, government programs (including Section 8 vouchers and HOPE program), or private financial assistance from nonprofits

$45 million in nonrecurring funds appropriated to the North Carolina Housing Trust Fund for 2025-2026, with ongoing funding established through 1.5% of register of deeds fees and 33% of real estate excise tax proceeds remitted to the Department of Revenue

Credit reporting agencies prohibited from reporting ejectment lawsuits against consumers unless the landlord obtained a judgment in their favor

Optional Credit Reporting for Tenants of Subsidized Housing Program established, requiring participating landlords to offer tenants the choice to have rent payment information reported to credit agencies, with fees capped at $10/month; $1 million appropriated for grants to private landlords who participate