PONTIAC, Mich. – Officials in Pontiac are hosting a series of town halls to bring its residents up to speed on tenant rights.
The first one occurred Saturday, Jan. 20. Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel believes it all comes down to caring for people’s dignity and quality of life.
Greimel said the city has ramped up its role in ensuring landlords are doing right by tenants. A new ordinance was passed that aims to hold property owners accountable for non-compliance with codes, mismanagement of rental payments and other misconduct relating to their owner responsibilities. Additionally, Greimel said Pontiac has significantly increased the number of rental inspectors and code enforcement officers.
The city has invited speakers from organizations like Fair Housing Center of Metro Detroit to help educate and empower tenants.
“There are a number of good protections that have been passed by the Michigan legislature,” said Steve Tomkowiak, “But they’re only useful to the extent that people are aware of them.”
Tomkowiak, Fair Housing Center of Metro Detroit’s executive director, believes information and resources from the town hall events will help in addressing other community challenges.
“The situation with affordable housing is growing more acute by the day,” Tomkowiak said. “There’s just not a lot of affordable housing and we have a high eviction rate so why now? Why not always? I wish we had this in every city.”
The next meeting will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 29 at the Robert Bowens Senior Center, followed by a meeting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 1 at Pontiac City Hall.
