Sharpsburg officials want renters to feel safe and confident while living in the borough.
One way they plan to accomplish that goal is through a recently enacted ordinance.
The law is designed to protect tenants from retaliation for engaging in individual or collective action to secure healthy and safe housing conditions.
It was proposed last year by outgoing Councilman Dave Breingan and unanimously approved Jan. 25.
“There was no precipitating event that caused the borough to pass this legislation, but instead it is a proactive ordinance,” borough Manager Christine DeRunk said via email. “The idea is to give households some protection from retaliation from a landlord if, for example, there is an issue with the quality of housing and a tenant brings that issue to the landlord’s attention.”
About the ordinance
The ordinance prohibits landlords from terminating or refusing to renew a lease or to amend any term or condition of an existing lease in response to the tenant or any member of the tenant’s household engaging in lawful activities such as organizing and participating in a tenants’ association.
Tenants can request their landlord make repairs to the property, provide amenities, or refrain from charging rent or fees that the tenant considers unaffordable or oppressive without fear of repercussions, according to the ordinance.
It also prohibits landlords from retaliating against a tenant for speaking to the media about issues related to the condition of the property, testifying at a public hearing, filing a complaint with a government agency or public official responsible for enforcing building codes or similar laws.
Councilwoman Sarah Ishman said she is pleased to have the ordinance on the books and hopes it does not have to be used.
“This is a preventive measure taken by the borough in order to give our renters some protection against retaliation from landlords,” Ishman said.
“This is not something that has been a problem for our borough and I do not anticipate that changing, but it is much better to be proactive about these things rather than reactive.”
Messages to Councilwoman Kacie Cope, who also is on the zoning/planning/code committee with Ishman, were not returned.
A copy of the ordinance is available for review at the borough office, 1611 Main St.
