I hated how rents skyrocketed in Tampa Bay upon his arrival OK, so maybe his arrival had no actual impact on rents in Tampa, but the fact that it’s gone up so much since he’s arrived seems like a weird coincidence. Hopefully when he leaves it’ll come back down to Earth, because I’m looking for a new apartment, and I would like to not have to sell a kidney in order to afford it. Credit: Photo via cityoftampa/Twitter
Today, the first reading of an ordinance that mirrors Hillsborough County’s Tenants Bill of Rights was presented to city council. The reading passed city council 6-1, but not without some questions and arguments about the content of the resolution. A second reading is set for Feb. 3.

If passed, the resolution would require landlords to provide tenants with a notice of their housing rights and a list of tenant assistance resources. Just like the county ordinance, the city’s would also prohibit landlords from discriminating against renters who use government assistance, including Section 8 housing recipients.

Tampa City Attorney Morris Massey said during the council meeting that the content of the city ordinance is “virtually identical” to what the county adopted in March of 2021 by the county.

Still, there was some scrutiny over the ordinance before it moved forward. Councilman John Dingfelder said he was concerned about “mom and pop” landlords who own four properties or less being made to show tenants their rights and resources under the ordinance.

Councilman Charlie Miranda, the only no vote, went on a confusing screed about the ordinance, talking about people buying and selling houses for a profit and how everyone blames the president for the price of gas, not directly addressing the context of the ordinance.

Councilman Joseph Citro said that he wished that state politicians would enact something like the local ordinance statewide, but still voted yes.

Dingfelder’s yes vote came with a compromise. The council decided that if the ordinance is adopted in February, city staff has six month to send a staff report reviewing how the ordinance is affecting tenants and landlords.

“Hesitantly but in the spirit of compromise I’ll vote yes,” Dingfelder said.

Councilman Luis Viera said that he strongly supports the resolution because he’s “seen the need with his own two eyes.”

“I do believe this is an ordinance that responds to something that is not only a problem, but that is a crisis that is getting worse.”

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This article appears in Jan 13-19, 2022.

Justin Garcia has written for The Nation, Investigative Reporters & Editors Journal, the USA Today Network and various other news outlets. When he's not writing, Justin likes to make music, read, play...