Property rents have sky rocketed in recent times and so tenant eviction has increased. Unfortunately, they are not the only things that have risen, and the same can be said for tenant harassment. This does not receive enough publicity but the fact that it has risen is still true.There are so many tenants in the real estate market who claim that harassment has increased as landlords try to pressure tenants into leaving rent controlled units. Once these units become empty, the landlords will be able to charge market rates that are much higher from the new tenants.
As of now, if a tenant is harassed, the only way he can take action is to file a lawsuit. The government and other concerned authorities are now planning to change this and would allow tenants to submit their complaints to the rental bodies as well. Following this, there would be a review from a judge who would consider the view of both sides and then present his analysis to the rental authorities. The rental authorities would then decide if the complaint should be forwarded higher up the legal ladder or whether the matter could be ended right there. As of now, this has not been finalized and an official policy has yet to be announced. Chances are this will take place in the next couple of days when the votes of the full board have been received.
Tenants represent a significant percentage of voters and so their concerns are being addressed. Perhaps solving this issue would have an impact on the housing affordability crisis that has become prevalent.
According to the representative who introduced this legislation, the timing is best for some folks but for others renting is becoming unaffordable. This new law would probably make it very clear to the landlords that harassment would not be tolerated in the industry, and so they might refrain from it.
The impact of such a law can only become noticeable when the boom in the industry goes down. However, steps have to be taken right now to deal with the affordability crisis. A few days ago another law was introduced that allows evicted tenants to avail properties that can be rented at below market averages. Another policy that would probably be made official is meant for property owners. This policy bans them from renting out housing units for a fixed time period following an eviction.
