Rep. Dew files bill in North Carolina House to limit large-scale home rentals

A new bill filed by State Rep. Dew seeks to curb housing market manipulation by limiting bulk purchases of single-family homes for rental purposes in counties with populations over 150,000., according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 1010 on April 15 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Home Ownership Market Manipulation.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill aims to curb housing market manipulation by restricting large-scale purchases of single-family homes for rental purposes by business entities in North Carolina’s qualifying counties, which have populations exceeding 150,000 as per the last census. The bill makes it unlawful for any entity and its affiliates to buy more than 100 single-family homes for rental in these counties unless the home is for personal residential use. The Attorney General is empowered to enforce this legislation, which includes the authority to make rules, conduct investigations, and bring civil actions against violators. Affected individuals may also seek civil remedies in court, including equitable relief, damages, and costs. The court may impose fines up to $100 per day for each unlawful purchase and award exemplary damages of $50,000 or three times the incurred damages, whichever is greater. The act will take effect immediately upon becoming law.

A related bill, SB 199, was also filed in the North Carolina Senate, introduced by Sen. Timothy D. Moffitt on Feb. 27, 2025.

Dew proposed another 14 bills during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Dew, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2025 to represent the state’s 107th House district, replacing previous state representative Robert Drakeford.