New York Attorney General Letitia James is leading a coalition of 18 attorneys general urging the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to restore strong fair housing protections. The move comes after HUD announced new interim rules in March 2025 that roll back key requirements.
The attorneys general argue that these changes violate the Fair Housing Act by weakening efforts to promote housing integration and fight discrimination.
HUD interim rule reduces fair housing requirements
HUD’s 2025 interim final rule removes many long-standing obligations for grant recipients. Previously, grantees had to certify their compliance with Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) standards before receiving federal funding. Now, the new process relies on a minimal certification instead of thorough evaluation.
Critics argue that the change undercuts efforts to combat housing segregation. Moreover, it could lead to a loss of accountability across federal housing programs.
“Fair housing requirements help address the harmful effects of housing segregation and ensure that everyone can access housing with dignity,” Attorney General James said. “HUD has a duty to protect fair housing, and I am proud to stand with my fellow attorneys general to hold them to account.”
Attorneys general: HUD changes violate federal law
In a formal comment letter, the coalition argues the new rule:
- Contradicts the Fair Housing Act’s AFFH mandate.
- Removes real evaluation of segregation or integration impacts.
- Lacks a factual basis for the drastic policy reversal.
- Weakens HUD’s ability to monitor and enforce fair housing standards.
As a result, they warn, discrimination and segregation could persist without proper oversight.
A broader fight to defend fair housing
Attorney General James’ latest action builds on her broader push to defend fair housing rights. Recently, she secured settlements for tenants illegally denied housing, expanded fair housing enforcement grants, and urged federal courts to reinstate funding for fair housing organizations.
In this latest effort, she was joined by attorneys general from Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia.
HUD is currently reviewing public comments on the interim rule as it considers potential revisions.
This content is brought to you by the FingerLakes1.com Team. Support our mission by visiting www.patreon.com/fl1 or learn how you send us your local content here.