Tenants and lawmakers called for stronger protections for renters during a Housing Advocacy Day at the Statehouse.
Advocates are rallying around Senate Bill 202, which would allow tenants to place rent in escrow in order to pressure landlords into fixing critical problems with heat or water. A similar House bill is unlikely to get a hearing.
Jennifer Wells is a tenant and leader with Hoosier Action from Columbus. She says she has lived in everything from apartment complexes to single-family homes.
“Throughout my renting experience, it hasn’t mattered. There is no landlord accountability.”
Dee Ross is the founder and CEO of the Ross Foundation, which oversees the Indiana Tenants Association. He says the bill will help hold landlords accountable.
“Who is holding these landlords and property managers accountable for taking advantage of our tenants? Every Hoosier deserves to live in a safe living condition.”
Sen. Fady Qaddoura (D-Indianapolis) sponsored Senate Bill 202.
“What is wrong with saying we protect and we support both responsible landlords and responsible tenants?”
According to lawmakers, Senate Bill 202 is set to receive its first hearing this week.
