The Denver City Council is considering two measures aimed at dishonest landlords. The first would give tenants the right to organize; the second would allow the city to temporarily withhold landlords’ rent income.
The first proposal would guarantee tenants the right to form associations and meet with owners as a group. Landlords would be barred from retaliating against tenants for organizing.
The second proposal would allow the city to temporarily block landlords’ revenue until violations are corrected. Rent would be held in escrow until the property comes into compliance with the rules. This would make it possible to penalize an owner without having to close the building. Council members say the measure would include due process protections for landlords.
Currently, the city can impose penalties on landlords for violations. Supporters of the changes say that in serious cases, especially when the owner lives out of state, officials need more effective tools. The council is examining similar regulations in effect in San Francisco and New Haven.
Not all council members are convinced the proposals will solve the problem. For years, activists with groups such as the Denver Metro Tenants Union, among others, have been organizing against dishonest landlords. Denverite does not say when the proposals will come up for a vote.
Source: Denverite
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