WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Reps. Tom Kean Jr., R-N.J., and Greg Landsman, D-Ohio, have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at providing financial relief to renters by allowing them to deduct one month of rent from their federal taxes each year.
The proposed Tax Relief for Renters Act would allow eligible renters to claim a personal income tax deduction of up to $4,000 annually for rent paid on their primary residence.
Kean said the measure is designed to help families struggling with rising housing costs.
“Housing, a basic necessity, is way too expensive. New Jersey families who rent are facing costs that continue to outpace paychecks, stretching household budgets thin,” Kean said in a statement. “I’m glad to lead the bipartisan effort to give hardworking families more financial breathing room by allowing them to deduct a month of rent from their tax bill.”
Landsman said renters across the country are facing similar financial pressure.
“Renters need relief, and right now, folks cannot keep up as rent is rising faster than wages in Southwest Ohio and across the country,” Landsman said. “Our bill will help ease the burden on families to afford their everyday expenses or save for a home.”
According to lawmakers, more than 22 million renter households nationwide spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs.
Under the proposal, renters would qualify for the deduction if their income does not exceed $125,000 for married couples filing jointly, $80,000 for heads of household or $75,000 for individual filers.
Supporters say the measure would provide immediate financial relief to renters while helping families manage rising housing expenses.
Kean has also introduced additional legislation aimed at addressing housing affordability. In January 2026, he introduced the Make American Housing Affordable Act, which would establish a new tax credit for Americans purchasing their primary home.
He also advocated for restoring the full state and local tax deduction for middle-class families. As part of the 2025 reconciliation package, Kean supported expanding the SALT deduction to $40,000, a move he said would benefit homeowners in high-tax states such as New Jersey.
