New Rental Laws Are Squeezing Homeowners. There’s a Better Way.

When the pandemic hit, eviction moratoriums were seen as a necessary emergency measure. But in the years since, many of those short-term policies have turned into long-term legislation, and not all of it is helping.

Across the country, states are introducing new regulations aimed at protecting renters. But instead of creating clarity, these policies often make it harder for responsible homeowners to offer housing without unnecessary legal risk. Rather than targeting bad actors, the rules tend to treat every homeowner as if they are part of the problem.

At Belong, we believe there is a better way, one that doesn’t rely on regulation to enforce fairness, respect, or accountability.

Regulation Is Catching Up to What Should Have Been the Standard All Along

Recent legislation in states like Minnesota and New York shows how quickly the legal landscape is shifting.

In Minnesota, HF 917 now requires landlords to give a 14-day written notice before filing an eviction for nonpayment. In cities like Minneapolis and St. Louis Park, that notice period stretches to 30 days. These extended timelines add delays and complexity, even in cases where eviction is clearly warranted.

New York is moving toward even more restrictive policies. Bills like A5573 and S3254, often referred to as “good cause eviction” legislation, would prevent homeowners from ending a tenancy unless very specific legal standards are met. That includes limitations on non-renewals and rent increases, even if the lease has ended. In some areas, local governments have already passed versions of these laws ahead of the state.

These policies are often framed as protections for renters. But for homeowners who act in good faith, they introduce risk, delay, and confusion. Principles like notice and fair treatment are important. Turning them into rigid laws, though, can harm the very housing stability they aim to protect.

Most Homeowners Aren’t Predators. But the System Treats Them That Way.

The majority of individual homeowners aren't looking to evict anyone. They want their homes cared for, rent paid on time, and a stable investment they can rely on. But today’s legal environment rarely supports that.

When things go wrong; like late rent, unresolved maintenance issues, or lease violations,  homeowners are forced to navigate a maze of regulations and legal fees. The system assumes the worst and burdens everyone equally, regardless of their track record or intent.

That’s why more regulation isn't the solution. It’s a blunt tool that doesn’t distinguish between the slumlords who exploit the system and the homeowners trying to do things the right way.

Belong Was Built to Remove the Need for These Rules

At Belong, we solve the problems that regulation is trying to fix, without the red tape.

• We guarantee rent, so homeowners are never left guessing when the next payment is coming.
• We prevent most evictions by thoroughly vetting residents and offering personal support if challenges arise.
• We handle maintenance 24/7, using professional vendors and clear communication, so residents get prompt service and don’t need legal protections just to get basic repairs done.
• We focus on long-term relationships, not short-term leases, which encourages care, consistency, and accountability on both sides.
  

If something does go off track, we manage it professionally, with fairness and empathy. No courtrooms. No loopholes. No guesswork.

The Future of Renting Doesn’t Need More Laws. It Needs More Trust.

The post-pandemic housing market has made one thing clear. Reactive regulation is not enough to fix a broken rental experience. What is needed is a system that supports both homeowners and residents by aligning incentives and removing friction from the relationship.

That is what Belong delivers.

While others are adjusting to new laws, we’ve already built a model that works without them,  one that makes the rules feel unnecessary because the right thing is already happening.