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Leaders promise to work toward more equal city

Tenant’s rights proposal passes

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — City leaders announced two major decisions at Monday night’s city-county council meeting. The first promises to work toward a more equal city in a special resolution that calls for the end of racial and social disparities.

The resolution sets goals in the areas of health, education, criminal justice, the environment, employment and the economy. It passed in a rare-unanimous vote and was also signed and supported by the mayor.

“These challenges are not unique to Indianapolis, but I believe we are uniquely positioned to work collaboratively to address them,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett in a statement.

The council’s second big decision was focused on new rules for landlords. At least one councilor said he believes tenant’s rights are a possible solution to the city’s crime problems. The councilors in favor of the resolution tried to make the point that helping people find and stay in housing will keep them off the the streets and out of trouble.

“A little boy or a little girl having to be told by their mother or father we’ve gotta move,” said councilor Jared Evans. “They have no hope and they’re raised and brought up in that environment and they see what happens and no hope contributes to more violence.”

Under the proposal landlords are required to provide tenants notice of their rights and responsibilities before they sign a lease. It also creates a free hotline for anyone who needs advice or legal representation. Landlords who retaliate against renters could face up to $2,500.

The proposal passed 18 to 5 with one abstention.