‘Build-to-Rent Incentive Plan Hits Opposition Roadblock’ A proposed incentive plan aimed at stimulating the construction of rental housing in the United States has encountered significant opposition, putting its implementation in jeopardy. The “Build-to-Rent Incentive Program,” unveiled by the Trump administration in 2019, would provide tax breaks to developers who construct multi-family rental properties. According to the administration, the plan was designed to alleviate the nationwide shortage of affordable housing and boost economic growth. However, critics have raised concerns about the program’s potential impact on the rental market. They argue that the tax breaks would benefit wealthy developers who would pass on the savings to tenants in the form of higher rents. Additionally, they contend that the plan would incentivize the construction of luxury rental units at the expense of affordable housing. The opposition to the program has taken various forms. Housing advocates have lobbied Congress to reject the proposal. Local governments have passed resolutions opposing it. And some states have taken legal action to block its implementation. In one of the most significant legal challenges, the state of California filed a lawsuit in 2020, alleging that the program violated the Tax Injunction Act, which prohibits states from interfering with federal tax collection. The lawsuit is currently pending in federal court. The administration has defended the program, arguing that it is a necessary step to address the housing shortage. However, the growing opposition has cast doubt on its ability to gain sufficient support to move forward. If the Build-to-Rent Incentive Program is not implemented, it would represent a setback for the administration’s housing agenda. It would also further delay efforts to address the growing number of Americans struggling to find affordable housing.The government’s Build to Rent scheme has been blocked by the coalition and Greens. The Greens argue that the scheme will not make renting more affordable for many people and want all of the properties built under the scheme to be affordable rentals, not just 10%, with rent increases capped at 2%. The Greens also want the proposed minimum leasing terms increased from three to five years and rent to be set at either 25% of gross income or 70% of market value. Liberal Senator Andrew Bragg is also critical of the scheme, pointing to department officials’ testimony at a Senate hearing saying foreigners that invested through trusts were the target market. The Property Council of Australia has urged the bill to be passed to boost housing stock. Labor has criticized the opposition and Greens for standing in the way of more social and affordable housing.The government’s Build to Rent scheme has been blocked by the coalition and Greens. The Greens argue that the scheme will not make renting more affordable for many people and want all of the properties built under the scheme to be affordable rentals, not just 10%, with rent increases capped at 2%. The Greens also want the proposed minimum leasing terms increased from three to five years and rent to be set at either 25% of gross income or 70% of market value. Liberal Senator Andrew Bragg is also critical of the scheme, pointing to department officials’ testimony at a Senate hearing saying foreigners that invested through trusts were the target market. The Property Council of Australia has urged the bill to be passed to boost housing stock. Labor has criticized the opposition and Greens for standing in the way of more social and affordable housing.A proposed plan to incentivize the construction of build-to-rent housing in the city has hit a roadblock after facing opposition from several local residents and community groups. The plan, which was introduced by the city council last month, would have provided developers with tax breaks and other incentives to build new rental housing units. However, critics of the plan argue that it would lead to higher rents and a decrease in the availability of affordable housing. “This plan is nothing more than a giveaway to developers,” said Mary Johnson, a member of the local tenants’ association. “It will only make it harder for working families to find a place to live.” The city council is scheduled to vote on the plan next month. It is unclear whether the plan will be approved in light of the opposition it has faced.