The Emergency Rental Assistance Program Reform Amendment Act of 2025 amends the Homeless Services Reform Act of 2005 and the Rental Housing Act of 1985 to enhance the process for tenants seeking Emergency Rental Assistance Funds. The bill requires tenants to provide specific documentation to establish eligibility for these funds, including a new requirement to document the nature of the emergency situation. If documentation is not available, an unsworn declaration under penalty of perjury may suffice. Additionally, the definition of an emergency situation is clarified to include unforeseen events that necessitate immediate action to avoid homelessness or eviction. The Mayor is tasked with issuing regulations to implement these changes.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the court's authority regarding eviction proceedings related to nonpayment of rent. It allows courts to stay eviction proceedings when tenants present documentation of a pending Emergency Rental Assistance Program application, rather than mandating a stay. Housing providers are required to reschedule evictions if tenants notify them of an approved application that covers the owed rent. The bill also establishes an affirmative defense for tenants in eviction cases if housing providers fail to comply with the Emergency Rental Assistance Program application process, and it outlines the consequences for housing providers who do not provide necessary payment information to ERAP providers.