Key Players

The Players

Tenants. The tenants in substandard buildings must be prepared to demonstrate to the local government that they have a clear plan for housing improvement. Interests of the community and the tenants will not always be consistent. Because the tenants are the most apparent beneficiaries or victims of code enforcement or lack of code enforcement, they must be prepared to play a central role in the process. Timely tenant organizing is critical. Legal incorporation of the tenants' associations gives them a status and legitimacy that will ease communication with the local authorities.

Community. The community must strive to speak with a unified voice. Successful use of this tool requires a consistent pressure on the local government. Further, the local government will need to see that it will have community support when it uses code enforcement on behalf of the community. Community organizations will likely be the entities that trigger the use of the tool. This includes both approaching the housing code enforcement entities and organizing the tenants.

Local Government. The cooperation of local government and its inspection and enforcement agencies is requisite to the successful use of this tool. Government agencies play key roles in three arenas: citing code violations and pressing for corrections or prosecution; negotiating resolution between landlords and community; and providing funding to transition housing into habitable community or tenant-owned situation.

Nonprofit Development Community. Local governments will likely make a public transfer of property to the tenants or community organization contingent on assurances that the building will be developed as long-term affordable housing. The presence of experienced nonprofit developers can provide local government with evidence that affordability provisions will be met.

Landlords. While significant pressures will be levied against the landlords, some will not cooperate. Housing code enforcement has, on occasion, stalled where the landlords do not fear prosecution.

Legal Counsel. Tenants should have expert legal advice when filing affirmative landlord/tenant actions and rent petitions and when considering the viability of rent strike or "repair and deduct" strategies.