The National Multi-Housing Council and the National Apartment Association are launching a joint a campaign in support of a more balanced federal housing policy - specifically asking lawmakers and the nation's political parties not to focus their housing agendas solely on "homeownership," but to respect the value of renters, as well.

For the past several years the groups - which represent both apartment building owners and tenants - have attempted to blunt the message of homeownership trumpeted by the National Association of Realtors, the Home Builders and Mortgage Bankers Association.

"We are urging policymakers to abandon their traditional and almost exclusive focus on homeownership and instead craft a national housing policy with a goal of ensuring that all Americans have access to safe and decent housing, regardless of whether they rent or own," said a statement released by NMHC/NAA.

The groups said they had developed a glossy brochure that incorporates third party testimonials and profiles of nontraditional residents in an effort to deliver its message.

The publication suggests that as America's population has become more diverse, the goal of homeownership has become less universal than it once was; and that for many Americans renting better fits their modern lifestyles.

"A housing policy emphasizing only homeownership not only disadvantages the nation's growing segment of renters, it also overlooks the potential disadvantages of homeownership," say the apartment groups. They also say that apartments can be part of the solution to several modern-day problems, including suburban sprawl, urban decay, the affordable housing crisis, and even housing American's aging parents.

The pamphlet is being delivered to each member of Congress and to the Republican and Democratic officials responsible for drafting party platforms for the 2000 elections.

The NAR's recently submitted platform proposals urge the political parties to keep their goal of homeownership as what's best for America.

"NAR has consistently maintained that homeownership serves as a cornerstone of our democratic system of government and deserves a preferred place in our system of values as it contributes to community responsibility; civic, economic, business, and employment stability; family security; and well being," NAR proposal states.

"As real estate professionals we know that homeownership is a primary goal of American families and believe that every individual should have the opportunity to live in safe and decent housing. These objectives can best be served by a healthy housing market in an economic environment that fosters an ample supply of affordable and accessible financing provided by both domestic and international sources."

The Realtors proposal, however, also offers some support for apartment building owners, stating:

"NAR recognizes the need in this nation to produce new affordable rental housing and preserve the current rental housing stock through renovation and reengineering. We encourage all levels of government to meet this demand by removing disincentives to the financing, production and improvement of rental housing for citizens of all income levels."

Published: July 24, 2000

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