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 Program (ERAP). Key changes include requiring tenants to provide specific documentation to establish eligibility for ERAP funds, clarifying the definition of an emergency situation, and mandating the Mayor to issue regulations to implement these changes. Additionally, the bill allows courts to stay eviction proceedings when tenants demonstrate they have a pending ERAP application, rather than mandating it, and requires housing providers to reschedule evictions if tenants notify them of an approved ERAP application.

The bill also introduces new provisions that create an affirmative defense for tenants in eviction cases if housing providers fail to comply with the ERAP application process. It specifies that if a housing provider does not provide necessary payment information to an ERAP provider within 45 days, the court may waive the amount of rent that would have been covered by a successful ERAP application. These amendments aim to provide better protection for tenants facing eviction and ensure compliance from housing providers in the ERAP process.