In a message dated 10/25/02 10:46:50 AM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: (With added comments by Keith Reitman.)
> > * Ban Application Fees. Stop the practice of landlords charging tenants > application fees. Keith asks: Who shall pay for reasonable due diligence of 100 applicants? Keith suggests-Require portability of applications; one fee, maybe $35 and one dollar per additional inquiry over the Internet (perhaps paid by inquiring landlord). > * Prevent Water Shut Offs. Don't shut off a tenant's water because the > landlord has failed to pay the bill. Keith says; Not unreasonable in most circumstances but it is probably less frequent then house tenant bailing out and leaving the landlord with unpaid water bills, landlords need social justice too. > * Reform NRP. Reform the city's Neighborhood Revitalization Program so > that it includes and helps more tenants and people of color. Keith says; I am positive that Mr. Luce's reforms include the Non-Profiteering nonprofit developers who garner huge fees in a charity-charade played out with City officials and all our $$$$$! > * Preserve Subsidized Housing. Take steps to save our subsidized > housing and keep it from going market rate. Keith says; Subsidize people with incentives to improve their condition; allow all housing to be Market Rate. It is the only system that will actually work. > * Improve Tenant Screening Criteria. Prevent landlords from using > outdated, irrelevant, or discriminatory information in deciding on > tenant applications. No tenant should be turned down for "no rental > history." Keith says; Yes, do not discriminate. No, do not let the foxes guard the hen house. My advice to tenants: Behave, and plan on paying your rent. In the long run you will be more successful and comfortable. I know of know tenant who robbed me (and many have), and went on to huge success. Keith adds; Finally, the landlord tenant struggle is a zero sum dilemma. Any right given to one side is taken from the other. The best outcomes will allow habitable, comfortable, attractive, and affordable homes for all good renters. The worst outcomes may be from tenants gaining disproportionate leverage, ultimately forcing less housing to be available, and at higher rental cost. And with more Non-Profiteers paid municipal ransom to (not) fill the gap. Oy Gevalt. (Keith Reitman NearNorth) _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@;mnforum.org Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
