NEIGHBORHOOD BUILDING OWNERS ALLIANCE’s Post

Such an excellent article - superb historical knowledge and great insights and comparisons with what is happening now on Public/Social Housing, campaigning and social justice. Amongst other great observations Wendy writes; “Public housing in Woolloomooloo survives but the Rocks has become an area mostly for the rich. The Sirius building in the Rocks was designed for the publicly owned Housing Commission in the late 1970s for the specific purpose of housing lower income tenants already being pushed out of the area. It was a shining example of what could be possible. But it too was sold off by the previous NSW LNP Berejiklian government for $150 million for luxury private apartments. Overall, public housing declined as a percentage of housing stock - and has been under continual threat. The Labor Minister for Housing Rose Jackson has promised that the situation will improve but the Minns government is still proposing to demolish public housing in Waterloo and replace it only partly with social housing. The rest will be private housing sold at market rates. Vulnerable tenants are promised they will be moved into alternative housing but many would prefer to stay and question why the poorly maintained buildings cannot be updated” I’ll pop the full link in the comments. #HousingIsAHumanRight

With the Housing Crisis showing no signs of resolution, I was really pleased to read about Michael Gove's recent discussions on extending planning rules to include the conversion of shops and office buildings into residential dwellings in the News this morning. Back in July, Gove emphasized the importance of utilising empty properties. He stated, 'Communities expect us to make use of empty properties or disused buildings, and redevelop existing derelict sites before we consider building on other land.' At VPS Group, we are already supporting clients in repurposing empty commercial buildings into Guardian properties, providing local working people with access to affordable temporary accommodation. Our Guardianship also offers free security, contributing to both housing solutions and community safety. I am hopeful that these potential plans will receive a green light swiftly, allowing us to continue making a positive impact on the housing landscape. #HousingCrisis #CommunityDevelopment #Guardianship #AffordableHousing #SecuritySolutions

🌍 A Major Step Forward for Renters’ Rights: The National Tenant Union Federation Launches Today marks a significant milestone in the fight for housing justice. Five powerful local tenants unions, including KC Tenants and the Louisville Tenants Union, have come together to form the Tenant Union Federation—the first national tenant organizing effort in 40 years. This federation is not just a union of unions; it’s a bold new movement aimed at challenging the power of multistate real-estate capital. By pooling resources, strategies, and organizing power, these unions are turning local victories into national momentum. Whether it's defeating billionaire-backed initiatives or negotiating with major landlords, this movement is proving that collective action works. As housing consolidation grows, so does the need for tenant solidarity across city and state lines. The Tenant Union Federation is here to provide the training, support, and coordination needed to turn housing struggles into lasting change. Let’s keep an eye on this dynamic movement as it reshapes the future of housing in America. 💪🏠 #HousingJustice #TenantPower #AffordableHousing #RentersRights #CollectiveAction #UnionStrong https://lnkd.in/gKvU-vvx

Another Council boss says it again North Lincolnshire Council leader Rob Waltham MBE says: The vast majority of local landlords are providing safe, decent homes but we know there are small number of people who do not maintain the standards expected. “We believe selective licensing will enable us to target the areas where there is poor quality and badly-managed accommodation. “It will help us address anti-social behaviour and raise standards by forcing rogue landlords and bad tenants to be responsible. So that means the vast majority of tenants who were being looked after with cheaper rents are now having rent increases to pay for the few bad Landlords. Why should innocent tenants and Landlords suffer? https://lnkd.in/gevd6sZn

Thousands of First Nations tenants living in substandard public housing in remote Western Australia have joined a class action led by one of the country's most prominent law firms. Slater and Gordon filed the lawsuit in the Federal Court claiming the Housing Authority and the WA government breached multiple residential tenancy and consumer protection laws over a 14-year period from July 2010 until August 2024. The firm alleges in some cases, First Nations people were forced to use bottled water for drinking and cooking because tap water contained "nasty contaminants". The statement of claim alleges as landlord, the Housing Authority and State failed to adequately maintain, repair and carry out structural and other improvements to public housing rental properties, and/or to do so within a reasonable time; provide public housing that was reasonably secure; provide public housing that was reasonably comfortable; and ensure that public housing rental properties complied with basic health and safety laws. The law firm has also accused the Housing Authority and State of taking advantage of Aboriginal tenants living in the East Kimberley, West Kimberley, Pilbara, Wheatbelt, Mid West, Gascoyne, and Goldfields-Esperance by slugging them with high rent for poorly maintained properties. The class action alleges the substandard housing meant many First Nations tenants' lives were at risk because large cattle and venomous snakes could enter the rundown properties. Via National Indigenous Times

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐜𝐭 (𝐕𝐑𝐋𝐓𝐀)? 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞? The Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is located in Chapter 12 of the Code of Virginia. The VRLTA establishes the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords in all jurisdictions throughout Virginia. The VRLTA applies to occupancy in all single-family and multifamily dwelling units as well as public housing units that are subject to this chapter. A single-family residence and a multi-family unit is defined in § 55.1-1200 as follows: - Multi-family Dwelling Unit – more than one single-family dwelling unit located in a building. - Single-family Residence - a structure, other than a multifamily residential structure maintained and used as a single dwelling unit, condominium unit, or any other dwelling unit that has direct access to a street or thoroughfare and does not share heating facilities, hot water equipment, or any other essential facility or essential service with any other dwelling unit. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 Section § 55.1-1204 of the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA) require landlords to provide tenants with a Statement of Tenant Rights and Responsibilities. This statement summarizes a tenant’s rights and responsibilities under the VRLTA. Both the landlord and tenant must sign this form, which is available from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development pursuant to Section § 36-139 of the Virginia Code. A landlord cannot file or pursue a lawsuit against a tenant for a lease violation until the landlord has provided the tenant with the statement of tenant rights and responsibilities. Source: Consumer Service Division – Fairfax County Virginia https://lnkd.in/dYTcxBV7

A Call to Action: Forging a Fairer Path Forward We ask that Montgomery County reconsider its approach and work collaboratively with small housing providers to address these challenges. Revising Chapter 29, Section 29-58 to offer more flexibility on rent adjustments for vacant units and reasonable pathways for recouping costs on capital improvements would represent a vital step forward. Implementing a tiered system, where regulatory impacts are scaled according to the size of the housing operation, could protect small providers from operational strains while still safeguarding tenant rights. Additionally, establishing financial assistance programs or tax incentives for small providers to undertake necessary improvements could alleviate some of the pressures without compromising the quality of housing. Such measures would recognize the unique position of small providers in the housing ecosystem, ensuring they remain a vibrant and essential part of Montgomery County's communities. In conclusion, please note that the sustainability of Montgomery County's diverse and vibrant communities depends on the health of its small housing sector. By acknowledging the adverse impacts of the current regulatory framework and taking steps to address these challenges, we can preserve the fabric of our neighborhoods, ensure the viability of small housing providers, and maintain the rich diversity that defines us. It's a path worth pursuing — for the benefit of providers, tenants, and the entire community. Let's come together to build a fairer, more sustainable future in Montgomery County housing. The PMs of the City LLC Property Management 202.991.9833  MD, DC, VA, GA Licensed DC Property Manager 25+ years of Experience We Make It Look Like MAGIC www.ThePMsOfTheCity.com [email protected] #thepmofthecity #NARPM® #mbecertified #minoritybusiness #womanownedbusiness #realestatebrokerage #trainer #consulting #pmacademy #landlords #thepmsofthecity #athomewithdiversity #propertymanagement #propertyinvestment #localbusiness #assetmanagement #affordablehousing #propertydevelopment #propertymanagementservices #propertymanagers #realestateInvesting #landlordlife #rentals #tenantrelations #commercialproperties #propertyinvestment #facilitiesmanagement #residentialproperty #realestateprofessional #rentalproperties #renovation

A Call to Action: Forging a Fairer Path Forward We ask that Montgomery County reconsider its approach and work collaboratively with small housing providers to address these challenges. Revising Chapter 29, Section 29-58 to offer more flexibility on rent adjustments for vacant units and reasonable pathways for recouping costs on capital improvements would represent a vital step forward. Implementing a tiered system, where regulatory impacts are scaled according to the size of the housing operation, could protect small providers from operational strains while still safeguarding tenant rights. Additionally, establishing financial assistance programs or tax incentives for small providers to undertake necessary improvements could alleviate some of the pressures without compromising the quality of housing. Such measures would recognize the unique position of small providers in the housing ecosystem, ensuring they remain a vibrant and essential part of Montgomery County's communities. In conclusion, please note that the sustainability of Montgomery County's diverse and vibrant communities depends on the health of its small housing sector. By acknowledging the adverse impacts of the current regulatory framework and taking steps to address these challenges, we can preserve the fabric of our neighborhoods, ensure the viability of small housing providers, and maintain the rich diversity that defines us. It's a path worth pursuing — for the benefit of providers, tenants, and the entire community. Let's come together to build a fairer, more sustainable future in Montgomery County housing. The PMs of the City LLC Property Management 202.991.9833  MD, DC, VA, GA Licensed DC Property Manager 25+ years of Experience We Make It Look Like MAGIC www.ThePMsOfTheCity.com [email protected] #thepmofthecity #NARPM® #mbecertified #minoritybusiness #womanownedbusiness #realestatebrokerage #trainer #consulting #pmacademy #landlords #thepmsofthecity #athomewithdiversity #propertymanagement #propertyinvestment #localbusiness #assetmanagement #affordablehousing #propertydevelopment #propertymanagementservices #propertymanagers #realestateInvesting #landlordlife #rentals #tenantrelations #commercialproperties #propertyinvestment #facilitiesmanagement #residentialproperty #realestateprofessional #rentalproperties #renovation

Veteran Housing Corp says that IF YOU ARE NOT PART OF A PERMANENT AND LASTING SOLUTION TO THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING CRISIS AND HOMELESSNESS, YOU ARE THE PROBLEM! THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX IS BROKEN AND NOT WORKING FOR AMERICAN TAXPAYERS Veteran Housing Corp would ask every TAXPAYER to demand and get answers from their elected and appointed government officials the below questions as they relate to any affordable, workforce, or supportive housing project in your community! 1. How much local, state, and federal funding, tax credits, or other government benefits or incentives did the project receive? 2. What is the affordability period for each project? Is the affordability period permanent and in perpetuity? 3. What guarantees exist have your local, state, and federal government officials obtained in writing that rents will not go up or that tenants will not be displaced or evicted after the "affordability period expires? Every local, state, and federal housing authority and affordable or workforce housing stakeholder should adopt the State of Vermont's "permanent affordability" policy as a model for all future government funded or subsidized housing projects or developments, no exceptions! https://lnkd.in/eFEUC8c8 Additionally, local, state and federal housing agencies should look to the Helsinki, FINLAND MODEL of ending homelessness by providing affordable housing for all 'It’s a miracle': Helsinki's radical solution to homelessness https://lnkd.in/er9HZSQU Even the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development AGREES THAT adopting FINLAND'S MODEL OF ERADICATING HOMELESSNESS may be of great value to resolving the affordable housing and homelessness crises in America https://lnkd.in/gkSZWYRU

The City Council approved Intro 195, enabling tenants to report vacant apartments to the Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) department via 311. This move aims to address issues like trash, mold, and rodents in empty units. The bill, passed 39 to 8, allows city officials to inspect such units, especially if they pose hazards to neighboring tenants. Advocates hope this will tackle the problem of "warehousing," where landlords keep apartments empty for future rent hikes. Over 60,000 vacant rent-regulated apartments were reported in 2021, with landlords blaming recent rent law changes for limiting rent increases. Critics, like the Community Housing Improvement Program, argue the bill won't solve the issue of vacant units and will financially strain landlords. HPD initially opposed the bill but now supports it, with additional funding for implementing an inspection appointment system. The bill also lets tenants sue landlords to force inspections of vacant apartments, aiming to quantify and address apartment warehousing. #CityCouncil #HousingCrisis #TenantRights #Intro195 #ApartmentWarehousing #HPD #VacantApartments #RentRegulation #HousingPolicy #TenantEmpowerment #NYCHousing