The Emergency Rental Assistance Program Reform Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2025 amends the Homeless Services Reform Act of 2005 and the Rental Housing Act of 1985 to enhance the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) process. Key changes include requiring tenants to provide specific documentation to establish eligibility for Emergency Rental Assistance Funds, clarifying the definition of a qualifying emergency situation, and mandating the Mayor to issue regulations to implement these provisions. Additionally, the bill allows courts to stay eviction proceedings when tenants demonstrate they have a pending ERA application, rather than mandating it, and requires housing providers to reschedule evictions if tenants have an approved ERA application.

Furthermore, the bill introduces an affirmative defense for tenants in eviction cases if housing providers fail to comply with the ERA application process. It specifies that if a housing provider does not provide necessary payment information to an ERA provider within 45 days, the court may waive the rent that would have been covered by a successful ERA application. This legislation aims to provide greater protections for tenants facing eviction and streamline the process for accessing emergency rental assistance.