The City is hoping the Code Enforcement Team can add some additional teeth to tenant harassment rules.

Next week, code enforcement officers will undergo training so they can begin pursuing tenant harassment violations May 1. Under the previous system, the City Attorney’s Office was solely responsible for reviewing and possibly prosecuting all allegations of landlord harassment. Harassment can be any action intended to upset the tenants and make them move out like taking away services provided in the lease, lying, threats or intentionally disturbing a tenant’s peace and quiet or privacy. The law stipulates the landlord must be acting in bad faith.

“Certainly, everyone knows this has been a priority for the City Council, so as of July 1, the fines will go from $75 – we anticipate – to $1,000 per day,” Sharon Guidry said.

Read More: http://smdp.com/code-compliance-officers-charged-with-increased-responsibility-for-tenant-harassment-cases/160602