HB 970 (Preventing Algorithmic Rent Fixing) prohibits landlords and third-party service providers in North Carolina from using algorithms that coordinate rent pricing based on nonpublic competitor data. It bans real estate lessors from paying for or exchanging value for "coordinating functions" (like algorithms analyzing competitors' rent data) and prevents service providers from facilitating non-competition agreements among landlords. The law classifies violations as unfair trade practices under Chapter 75, allowing affected parties to sue and blocking pre-dispute arbitration agreements for such cases. It applies to residential rentals (apartments, houses, etc.) and takes effect October 1, 2025.
HB 1010, titled "Home Ownership Market Manipulation," aims to limit the number of single-family homes that business entities can purchase for use as rental properties. The bill makes it unlawful for a business entity, including its affiliates, to buy a single-family home in a county with a population over 150,000 for rental purposes if they already own 100 or more such homes in qualifying counties. This measure seeks to address concerns about the impact of large-scale corporate home buying on housing supply and costs. Violations can lead to civil penalties, damages, and attorney fees, enforceable by the Attorney General, aggrieved individuals, or county commissioners.
HB 994 allocates $20.3 million in nonrecurring funds and $1 million in recurring funds to support Western North Carolina recovery from Hurricane Helene and expand economic development services. The bill directs $10 million specifically for long-term housing recovery for residents in Western NC whose homes were damaged by Hurricane Helene, $5 million to Community Development Corporations (CDCs) statewide to enhance economic development services, and $300,000 to fund three women’s business centers in Western NC, the Triad, and the Piedmont. An additional $5 million supports the Institute Capital (I-CAP) for statewide economic activities, while the recurring $1 million aids ongoing housing recovery efforts and matches federal disaster funds. The bill directly affects Western NC residents impacted by Hurricane Helene, local CDCs, and small business support organizations through targeted financial assistance.
HB 990 requires North Carolina landlords to provide written notice to tenants before charging certain late fees. Landlords must deliver this notice (via hand, mail, or agreed electronic means) detailing the fee amount, the specific past-due payment, and the date the fee was assessed - before collecting it. The bill applies to late fees for rent payments that are five or more days overdue, capping fees at $15 or 5% of monthly rent (or $4 or 5% weekly). This law takes effect October 1, 2025, directly affecting residential landlords and tenants in the state.
SB 237 appropriates $55,000 from the state General Fund to provide a one-time grant to the nonprofit organization CAREE (Citizens Advocating for Racial Equity and Equality) for its transitional housing programs in Pitt County. The funds, designated as nonrecurring for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, directly support CAREE's existing efforts to assist individuals transitioning from homelessness or unstable housing. The bill becomes effective July 1, 2025, with no new policy requirements or eligibility changes beyond the funding allocation.
HB 913 aims to hold local governments accountable for development decisions by allowing or mandating the recovery of attorneys' fees and, in some cases, punitive damages for parties who successfully sue them. It directly affects local governments and individuals or entities involved in development projects. The bill mandates attorneys' fees if a local government intentionally violates development laws, intentionally delays approvals, or acts deceptively to provoke legal action. Additionally, punitive damages, up to ten times the proven harm, can be awarded if a local government acts in a flagrantly unfair or deceptive manner with the intent to cause legal action. However, local governments are protected from these awards if they acted in reasonable reliance on court orders or Attorney General opinions.
HB 24, titled "Restore Down-Zoning Authority," aims to reinstate the power of local governments to initiate "down-zoning." This means local governments would regain the ability to change zoning classifications for properties to allow for less intensive development or use. The bill achieves this by repealing Section 3K.1 of S.L. 2024-57, which had previously restricted this authority. If enacted, it would apply retroactively to December 11, 2024, ensuring that any local ordinances impacted by the repealed section are restored to their status prior to that date.
HB 306 authorizes the Towns of Blowing Rock and Boone, Watauga County, and the Watauga County Board of Education to construct and provide affordable housing for their employees, including public school teachers. These local government units can build housing on their own property, partner with other entities, or contract with businesses for development. They are permitted to rent or sell these units exclusively to their employees, offering below-market rates, financing, and placing resale restrictions. All housing constructed under this act must comply with applicable building codes and zoning ordinances.
HB 627 requires local governments to allow the construction of at least one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) for each single-family home in residential zones, aiming to increase affordable housing options. The bill prohibits local governments from imposing certain restrictions, such as minimum parking requirements, banning long-term rentals of both units, or setting maximum ADU sizes under 800 square feet. However, local governments may still regulate aspects like setbacks or require ADUs to be smaller than the primary dwelling. Local governments must adopt regulations by January 1, 2027, or ADUs will be permitted without any local limitations.
HB 690, "The Citizens Support Act," directs several state and local agencies to ensure that state-funded benefits are provided only to U.S. citizens and noncitizens legally authorized to reside in the United States. The Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Commerce, Housing Finance Agency, and local housing authorities must develop plans to review eligibility criteria and verify the immigration status of applicants for various benefits, including housing, welfare, and medical assistance. State-funded institutions of higher education are required to adopt policies to verify applicants' legal residency for tuition and educational benefits. Additionally, the Division of Employment Security must implement a policy to verify legal residency for unemployment benefit applicants. These agencies are also mandated to report on their implementation progress and any federal laws that prevent them from denying benefits.
