Please find below some letters sent by members of the ACLC and of our community in support of the Renters’ Rights Ordinance to the Gainesville City Commission.

Written by Paul Ortiz, professor of history at UF and longtime ACLC member.

Dear Gainesville City Commissioners,

I am writing to urge you in the strongest terms possible to pass the Renter’s Rights/Safe and Healthy Housing Ordinance. This ordinance has been exhaustively researched, shared and discussed in numerous public forums by the Alachua County Labor Coalition (ACLC).

The Labor Coalition has successfully built coalitions in our community in support of numerous social justice and equity issues including the Alachua County Wage Recovery Ordinance, health care and raising wages. Unfortunately, affordable housing and renters’ rights appears to be the toughest nut to crack.

As you all are aware, housing conditions in too many areas of Gainesville are deplorable. Tenants have testified and written repeatedly that there is a strong fear in Gainesville of reporting poor conditions in their rental units due to reprisals and evictions. These fears are magnified by the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Bad housing conditions have negative multiplier effects that are often neglected. Peer-reviewed studies show that substandard housing conditions have a detrimental impact on educational outcomes for children. In additions, numerous scholars have demonstrated that substandard housing conditions lead to poorer health, racial profiling and higher crime levels. The data is clear. So, why are we still debating this issue?

For too long, groups of affluent developers, landlords, and realtors in Florida have stalled and shut down public efforts to address this problem. Even now, powerful interests outside of our community are flooding Gainesville with disinformation designed to prevent the Renter’s Rights Ordinance from passing.

For all of these reasons I am urging the Gainesville City Commission to pass the Renter’s Rights/Safe and Healthy Housing Ordinance without delay. This ordinance has been repeatedly vetted, debated and discussed in numerous city and public forums. The ordinance will help Gainesville become a better place for everyone to live. It is time to pass this importance measure.

Thank you for your time and for your commitment to equity!

Sincerely Yours,

Paul Ortiz

Written by Nezahualcoyotl Xiuhtecutli, the ACLC’s Membership Coordinator and Research Coordinator at The Farmworker Association of Florida

Dear Members of the City of Gainesville Commission,

Thank you all for the work you do for this city.

I want to express my support for the Renters’ Rights ordinance proposal presented by the Alachua County Labor Coalition. As our town continues to grow because of the economic and educational opportunities Gainesville offers to people all over Florida, the nation, and the world, we are experiencing a boom in development throughout town. Everywhere I go I see new housing units being built next to a new shopping center with new establishments reflecting the cultural diversity of our town.

At the same time, I fear that with economic and population growth will come other unintended consequences that the city would do well to foresee and prevent. One of these is discrimination based on income as well as increases in utility bills. Likewise, decreases in housing quality may creep into Gainesville dwellings if housing demands surpass availability.

I urge our city commission to take the necessary steps to make sure that our city remains a place where its residents can maintain a dignified residence including the following measures:

1) Universal low-cost landlord licensing and inspection

2) Lower utility bills by requiring landlords to meet energy and water efficiency standards

3) A mediation program for tenant-landlord disputes

4) Greater disclosure of renters’ rights and responsibilities

5) Protection against discrimination on the basis of income or citizenship status

Failure to take necessary steps may further exacerbate a housing issue into a housing crisis in Gainesville.

Thank you all again for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Nezahualcoyotl Xiuhtecutli Research Coordinator Farmworker Association of Florida

Written by ACLC Member Jeffrey Shapiro

Dear Commissioners and Mayor Poe:

I believe that we now have an excellent draft of the renters rights ordinance. Your vote on this ordinance will follow a prolonged effort by the city’s housing subcommittee to fairly consider all points of view. I fully support the ordinance and urge you to pass it. Implementation will take work by all involved, but it can go a long way toward improving the housing situation for the large proportion of citizens who rent.
Despite an excellent set of elected officials (I voted for all of you, with no thought of profit for myself), our city has only declined in its ability to provide for its most economically disadvantaged citizens. It is especially critical in these times of pandemic that those most in need receive our support.
Far too many pay too much in rent and utilities for too little earned. This ordinance is the fair way to help improve their situations. Furthermore, I believe that many landlords will ultimately benefit through improved upkeep of their properties, as confirmed by some of the input in meetings, and my experience volunteering for the Community Weatherization Coalition. Please pass this hard-earned initiative.

Jeffrey P. Shapiro, Ph.D.

Written by ACLC member Nancy Deren

Dear Mr Mayor and Commissioners,

I write in strong support for the proposed rental housing ordinance

This ordinance has been thoughtfully, carefully constructed with months of input and deliberation from all parties affected.

Safe and healthy housing is a human right and a fundamental component and indicator of community resilience, stability and economic vitality, especially as we face increasing climate crisis and economic uncertainty.

I am a landlord and fully support this ordinance. Offering energy efficient, safe and dignified housing to workers with modest income is an ethical and practical imperative I take seriously. If a landlord cannot afford to maintain their property in a healthy, safe and energy efficient manner, they need to reassess their business model.

I also agree that renters need to be informed and educated about their responsibilities as tenants— some have no idea how to take care of their dwelling, but I have found if I show them how to take care of things, and how to save money on their utility bills, they will respond.

Turnover is very expensive for a landlord. Offering energy efficient and healthy living conditions attracts tenants who will stay a long time, reducing costs to the landlord.

The importance of this ordinance is much larger than the individual dwellings or situations. It affects the viability and economic vitality of our future.

We must reduce our energy consumption by at least 50% if we are going to move to a renewable future. Rental housing is over 50% of our housing, so having basic energy efficiency standards is imperative if we are to deal with climate and affordability issues. As we face increasing heat and humidity, health impacts increase too, so having a minimum energy standard of housing to help people stay more healthy and productive is important. Mold leads to asthma for example.

As a financial coach, I have heard terrible stories about predatory landlords cheating renters out of their security deposits and not fixing broken or old appliances, roof leaks etc, so I support protecting renters there as well. Those landlords are few in number, but the damage they inflict is outsized.

I think the city has done an excellent job of balancing the needs and interests of public good, renters rights, health and safety, and landlord’s ability to be profitable and run their business.

I strongly support implementing this ordinance.

Thank you

In community,

Nancy Deren

Written by longtime ACLC member Sheila Payne

Dear Gainesville City Commissioners,

It has been 3 years since the ACLC started doing the research, white papers and advocacy on drafting a Renters’ Rights/Safe and Healthy Housing ordinance. This after almost 10 years of going to Affordable Housing forums where the same people were there, all expectant, the same tired rhetoric was ultimately espoused.

Some members of the ACLC decided if all of these accomplished people have not been able to get Affordable Housing built, what can we do to try to preserve the limited low-income housing stock that is here in Alachua County. Thus, the RRSandHH ordinance was hatched.

You all have heard my emotional reasons and pleas for someone to do something about the deplorable conditions I saw while working as a crossing guard and volunteer tutoring in the community.

Please do not give up now. Please advance the Renters Rights ordinance without delay. It is the right thing to do after so much of the Gainesville commissioners have put so much work into this and after the community, as individuals and civic groups have sent you so many letters of support for this ordinance.

Peace, be well,

Sheila Payne

Written by longtime ACLC member Marilyn Eisenberg

Dear Commissioners,

I totally support the Rental Housing Ordinance. I know how hard it is to do anything for the many people in town who do not have adequate housing. Here is a measure that caring people have fought for over many years. This ordinance would help so much to give recourse to those without much power to speak for themselves.

Please strongly consider passing such an ordinance. It would really show you care about the plight of so many underserved citizens with their housing.

Respectfully yours,
Marilyn Eisenberg

Written by ACLC member Anna Prizzia and candidate for Alachua County Commission District 3.

Mayor and Commissioners,

I wanted to write to express my support for the Renters Bill of rights. Since we struggle with affordable housing, and rentals are a big part of what makes up what affordable housing we do have, we must protect our renters and ensure that landlords are doing the right thing. Renters in this community deserve basic rights and protections such as a safe place to live, freedom from discrimination, affordable utility bills, and disclosure of their rights and responsibilities as tenants. The Alachua County Labor Coalition proposal is a revenue neutral effort that should only pose a threat to landlords with a pattern of misconduct. Safety and efficiency standards will help people’s lives and help reduce total housing costs, and will also help our environment by reducing housing related emissions and waste as a result of poorly-managed spaces. Please adopt a renters bill of rights that provides:

Universal, low cost landlord licensing and inspection throughout Alachua County.

Lower utility bills by requiring landlords to meet low-cost, high return on investment, energy and water efficiency standards.

A mediation program for rental deposit disputes modeled on the County’s successful Wage Recovery Ordinance.

Greater disclosure of rental units’ safety and efficiency ratings, as well as renters’ rights and responsibilities.

Protections against discrimination based on source of income and citizenship status.

Thank you,

Anna Prizzia

Written by longtime ACLC member, Maryvonne Devensky

Dear City Commissioners,

I am contacting you about housing and Renters Right Ordinance proposal by the Alachua County Labor Coalition that you will discuss tomorrow.

As a member of the ACLC and as a resident of Gainesville since January 2008, I support this proposal because now, more than ever, people need decent, and affordable housing with proper protection.

From January 2008 until March 2013, I was renting apartments in Gainesville and was surprised by the fact that my electric bills were very high due to single pane windows, and poor insulation from the outside wind. Once we had mice in the kitchen…All of this right in midtown Gainesville. I was also surprised that apartments owners would increase your rent every year, even if you were a good tenant and paid the rent on time. Now I own my house as well as a rental house that I keep in good condition. I think that my tenants deserve a clean and decent home just like I do. I want good communication between us and respond to their requests.

Last thing, if you have attracted the attention of the Real Estate industry and Tallahassee, you must be on the right path…

Continue working on providing affordable housing, protection of renters, protection of good landlords, promoting energy efficiency housing and appliances. Keep working for the well-being of the people in our community.

Involve the University of Florida and the numerous churches to provide funding to improve housing conditions under your supervision.

Support the Renters Rights Ordinance proposed by the ACLC. Thank you!

Respectfully,

Maryvonne Devensky

Written by ACLC member, Shayna Rich

Hi,

I am writing to support the Rental Housing Ordinance. In the city of Gainesville, we have so much rental stock, but the resources that renters bring varies substantially. It is in all of our interests as citizens to ensure that the landlords meet at least a minimal standard for keeping up the housing in our area, and to ensure that renters have certain basic rights upheld. The Safe & Healthy Housing for All Campaign is based on proven programs that provide a basic level of assurance that the housing in our community is safe, environmentally friendly, and equitable.

Cordially,

Shayna Rich

Written by ACLC Member Maria I. Vera

Dear Mayor and City Commissioners,

I am writing to express my strong support for the Renter’s Rights and Healthy Housing. I will list below all the reasons behind my support:

In many areas of Gainesville, the housing conditions are below standard imposing health, social, educational and psychological risks for tenants, especially for the children.

The lack of regulations to protect tenants from irresponsible landlords, causes an undue burden and hardship on tenants, particularly for economically disadvantaged ones.

Poor housing conditions, especially energy inefficient dwellings, yields unwelcome high expenses and health risks for tenants.

Lack of regulations results that tenants, especially those economically disadvantaged do not have recourse to address the poor housing situations.

Landlord are in a powerful position with respect to tenants, particularly by arbitrarily retaininng security deposits, by not fixing appliances or leaky roofs, etc.

I believe that this ordinance would consider the needs of the landlords and those of the tenants.

The City has regulations for all businesses (I have city regulations for my professional business). It is fair that the business of landlords be regulated for the benefit of both parties involved.

I am longstanding resident in Gainesville and a professional in practice in the City. Thank you for considering my opinion.

Maria I. Vera

Written by ACLC member Janice Garry

Developers have too much sway over Gainesville. Their sole interest in maximizing profit has swallowed our families and natural environment. An example playing out is with the renter’s rights and responsibilities initiative.

I am a Gainesville landlord. My business model allows for well-maintained housing. Repeatedly, prospective tenants have told me of the substandard condition of other properties. The renter’s rights and responsibilities ordinance has been thoughtfully crafted to instill a minimum standard for rental properties. Maintained, energy-sustainable housing is not too much to ask.

Developers and the real estate industry feel their profit margins threatened. They have funded a full-throttle campaign of inaccurate information. Their tsunami of protest represents greed.

A balance of profit and quality housing is possible. The status quo has victimized renters for too long. A reset is needed. City commissioners, your courageous leadership is needed to pass the renter’s rights and responsibilities ordinance.

Written by ACLC member and former city commissioner
Published in The Gainesville Sun on August 28th, 2020

Focus on safe, healthy housing for all

Whether you rent or own your home, I hope that you have a place that feels safe and protects you from the elements. Everyone needs a place that provides these basic needs.

When a home does not meet basic health and safety standards, who is responsible for the repair or corrective action? As a homeowner and owner of a rental property, I know that I am responsible for the care of both homes.

After serving as one of your city commissioners for six years, I have observed some interesting attitudes and relationships between the governing side of the city and the people it serves. There is the push and pull of demands to do everything or nothing.

Our City Commission took up the discussion of housing and renters’ rights in 2018 and held open meetings to look at problems and possible solutions. The primary focus was on health and safety in the living environment.

There was also an interest in looking at the lack of housing that serves lower-income residents. And there was a recognition that low-rent housing was some of the worst in meeting basic standards of health and safety.

Those meetings were very well attended by those who are advocating for better protections for tenants, as well as those in the business of owning and managing rentals. The advocates for renters’ rights and safe home environments made their point by describing homes in deplorable condition, and cases of reported need for repairs that went ignored.

There was also a point made that homes that have not been maintained are often homes with excessively high utility bills. The contributions to the discussion from the business side of housing issues helped provide some balance in perspective.

A simple solution, one would think, is for the tenant to be able to contact the owner or manager and request repairs or some attention to the condition of appliances in the home. But too many tenants do not feel safe to report their problems without fear of having their lease cancelled.

Members of the business side of the housing market pointed out that any policy that puts the requirement upon investors to make repairs or update appliances in their properties will have a negative effect by raising rents. They also pointed out cases where tenants were at fault for the lack of maintenance and abuse of properties.

There are many points that can be made that serve to deflect the responsibility of care from the landlord or manager. What is needed is for both sides to come to some agreements on solutions.

At times there was an agreement that there are some properties in poor condition. One property manager expressed support for the city to step in and tell some property owners that they needed to make some repairs. There was also an acknowledgment that Codes Enforcement was able to have some positive results when they were able to access the interior of a property and that the high majority of properties are in good condition.

When improvements are made to a property, there is an increased likelihood for a win-win outcome for both owner and tenant. For the owner there will be fewer calls for repairs needed in the middle of the night, and a higher return on their investment when they go to sell. For the tenant there will be less anxiety for having to live in shoddy housing and maybe even having more appreciation for the owner.

The City Commission has developed an ordinance that will open the doors of rentals for inspection from various private or public professionals. Most rentals are in passable condition. An inspection process will identify homes that are in need of attention and repair. The intent is to improve living conditions for all our residents.

I was disappointed to see the flyer that my Realtors’ association sent out ahead of the City Commission’s meeting. In the Gainesville-Alachua County Association of Realtors political action committee flyer, there was no recognition of the problem and no identification of a solution that real estate professionals could, would or should support.

Many of the solutions come down to improved education on both sides of the business. This includes landlords, property managers, investors and tenants. This includes you and me.

This discussion will not end with the City Commission. I do hope that there will be a continuation of the search for solutions.

Written by ACLC Member Cynthia Karle

To the Gainesville City Commissioners:

I’m writing to urge you to PASS the Rental Housing Ordinance.

Considering the current level of economic inequality that exists in Gainesville, the rental housing that is available here needs to be decent and livable.

As written by Dr. Paul Ortiz and Sheila Payne in today’s Gainesville Sun, “Housing conditions in too many areas of Gainesville are deplorable. Studies demonstrate that substandard housing conditions have a detrimental impact on educational outcomes for children and lead to poorer health, racial profiling and higher crime levels.”

The rental housing ordinance would not only provide a better quality of housing for lower income families, it would lead to a better community for all of us.

Thank you for your consideration,

Cynthia Karle

Gainesville, FL