Congressman Cohen Introduces the Keeping Evictions Off Credit Reports Act

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today introduced the Keeping Evictions Off Credit Reports Act. The measure would prevent evictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic from appearing on credit reports, which could prevent renters from being approved for future housing. Representatives Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi and Yvette Clarke of New York are original co-sponsors.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“American families have felt the negative economic impact of the pandemic for two years and should not be denied housing because of it. Many landlords across the country often do credit checks on prospective tenants to help determine if they are eligible to rent or lease.  If there is an eviction on those reports, it often prevents prospective tenants from being approved for housing no matter the circumstances. The Keeping Evictions Off Credit Reports Act ends the stigma of an eviction and assures fairness in the rental application process.”

The Department of Housing and Urban Development reported almost 600,000 American families experienced at least one night of homelessness in 2020. More than 40 million Americans have faced the threat of eviction throughout the course of the pandemic.

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