Episode Summary:
David Howard, CEO of the National Rental Home Council, discusses the challenges and opportunities in the single-family rental housing industry. He addresses the concern of legislation that seeks to limit the number of homes that single-family rental providers can own, and how the NRHC works to push back against such policies. Howard emphasizes the need to humanize the industry and tell the stories of individual property owners, who make up the majority of the market. He also highlights the importance of local engagement and advocacy to shape housing policy at the state and local level.
Overview of Episode 59
Craig Fuhr and Jack BeVier speak with David Howard, CEO of the National Rental Home Council. They discuss key policies affecting single-family landlords, particularly small-scale landlords. This episode emphasizes how policies aimed at larger institutions inadvertently impact smaller single-family landlords. Accordingly, they highlight the need for stronger advocacy.
Restricting Ownership and Policy Battles
Howard addresses legislative efforts to limit how many properties a single-family landlord can own. These efforts, prevalent in states like California, Texas, and Virginia, aim to curb institutional ownership. However, these policies also impact small-scale landlords, who may own just a few properties. Notably, Howard and his organization have been working to defeat these bills, engaging local legislators and presenting alternative perspectives.
Face-to-Face Advocacy Efforts
David Howard emphasizes the importance of directly engaging with policymakers. His team regularly meets with legislators to explain the negative impacts of such restrictive policies on single-family landlords. As a result, these personal connections often help sway opinions, especially when local landlords are involved in discussions.
Growth of Local Chapters for Advocacy
The NRHC has been expanding its state chapter program to increase its presence in key markets. Currently, chapters exist in North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Arizona, with plans to expand to Texas. This proximity helps address local single-family landlord issues and advocate for fairer policies.
Small-Scale Landlords: The Backbone of the Industry
A recurring theme throughout the podcast is that most single-family landlords are small-scale operators. Both Fuhr and BeVier stress that small, local landlords need to be humanized in the eyes of policymakers. These landlords, often owning fewer than 10 properties, play a crucial role in the rental market. If local policies don’t consider this reality, it could lead to unintended consequences for both landlords and renters.
Impact on Housing Supply and Affordability
Howard discusses how limiting single-family landlords can exacerbate housing supply shortages. Since 2016, there has been a decline in the number of single-family rental homes, which worsens the housing crisis. Therefore, preventing new developments and limiting ownership would only deepen this issue.
Looking Ahead: Advocacy for Single-Family Landlords
Howard concludes by outlining the key issues the NRHC will focus on in the coming years. The council will continue fighting against rent control, ownership caps, and harmful regulations. As long as small landlords remain engaged, the NRHC believes they can shape policies that benefit the entire industry.
