Action Center: Northeast Region
The action center is where information about legislative actions around the country are gathered and posted for the benefit of all members. If you have any information to add here to the Northeast Region (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Washington DC, Ohio, West Virginia), e-mail govtaffairschair@narpm.org.
Pottstown Rental Rules Pass Over Landlord Objections
In the face of impassioned comment from both sides of the issue, Borough Council of Pottstown, Pennsylvania, Tuesday unanimously adopted new rental rules which some say are a long overdue measure to get poorly maintained rental properties under control. Landlords argue the rules could drive all the "good" landlords out of town. The new provisions require certain lease addendums which limit the number of people in a rental residence and require tenants to prevent "disruptive conduct," which can permit the landlord to "immediately terminate the lease." Read the full story from The Mercury.
posted 10.18.10
Illegal Immigration Relief Act
A federal appeals court ruled Thursday that Hazleton, Pa., may not enforce its crackdown on illegal immigrants, dealing another blow to four-year-old regulations that inspired similar measures around the country. The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia said that Hazleton's Illegal Immigration Relief Act usurped the federal government's exclusive power to regulate immigration. The northeastern Pennsylvania city had sought to fine landlords who rent to illegal immigrants and deny business permits to companies that give them jobs. A companion measure required prospective tenants to register with City Hall and pay for a rental permit. Read the full article from the Washington Times.
posted 09.20.10
New Radon Requirements in Maine
The State of Maine has passed a law requiring landlords to test all rental properties for radon. In addition, a written disclosure statement must be given to each tenant, informing them of the risks of radon exposure. Those risks include lung cancer. A sample disclosure statement is provided on the Maine Department of Health and Human Services website. The tenant will have to sign an acknowledgment that they have received this disclosure. This new law requires radon testing in all residential rental properties by the year 2012. Read the full article from the American Apartment Owners Association.
posted 09.15.10
Proposal to Hold Landlord Responsible for Tenant Actions
CHAMBERSBURG, PA -- Despite recommendations from staff, Chambersburg's mayor wants to consider an ordinance that would hold landlords responsible for tenant behavior.
View full article from Public Opinion News
posted 04.26.10