Brooklyn Park Passes First Reading of Tenant Protection Ordinance
A proposed ordinance in Brooklyn Park would require new owners of apartment buildings to notify tenants about an ownership change and even pay for relocation if sweeping changes are made.
The Brooklyn Park City Council passed the first reading of the ordinance change on Monday.
Mayor Jeff Lunde pointed out during council discussion that there’s not any evidence yet that similar ordinances have helped people. St. Louis Park was the first city in the area to pass a similar ordinance. Similar ordinances have been approved in Brooklyn Center and Golden Valley.
“Is it just to make us feel good or does it help someone?” asked Lunde. “I like it because it would stop someone who wants to wipe out a complex on day two.”
Under the proposed ordinance, new owners of multifamily buildings would be required to notify tenants about the ownership change. Owners would also be required to provide relocation assistance if they make rental agreement changes within three months of assuming ownership.
The proposed changes are meant to give tenants more time if they are displaced by requirements of new owners.
The second reading of the ordinance change will occur Oct. 28.
To listen to the full discussion, click here.
