To: George Green, MHA Executive Director, Steve Tumlin, Mayor, and Governor Brian Kemp
Landlord Tenant Reform
Tenants put at risk due to fraud or negligence on the part of property manger and are forced to move prematurely due to health hazards at their own expense should be given proper consideration. Allowances should be made for tenant to make their case against property owner before a judge who can terminate (rescind) lease agreement in question and release tenant from any further financial obligation to negligent landlord effective immediately upon determination in landlord state where laws are written in favor of property owners once they are proven to be fraudulent and or negligent without just cause. In the event tenant is in possesion of a housing voucher or equivalent, said voucher should not be revoked if landlord is proven to be at fault and false information is reported by property owner.
Why is this important?
It is not in the best interest of city or state government to support any legislation that allows for abusive property owners to escape penalties in cases where tenants experience fraud, abuse, negligence and are exposed to health hazards that can potentially cause irreversible health defects and or death. In cases where property owners are found to be unethical in their dealings and manipulate the law to inflict pain on unsuspecting low-income tenants, they should be penalized to the fullest extent of the law and relinquish the right to any monies owed as noted in the contract between property owner and tenant unless there is legitimate proof of damages to the property. Provisions should be made for families; especially those with underage children to relocate to a safer environment while addressing the concerns. Thorough investigations should be conducted beyond simple inspections.