Michigan Renters Rally for Legislative Relief Amid Soaring Rent Costs and Housing Inequities

Lansing, Michigan – As rents in Michigan continue to rise, burdening many tenants, state legislators are facing heightened pressure to adopt a set of bills aimed at providing relief to renters. According to recent data, the average cost of renting in the state has seen an increase of 4.7% in the last year. This surge in rental costs is affecting over half of Michigan renters, forcing them to spend more than 30% of their monthly income on housing. The proposed legislative package addresses several aspects of the rental market, including anti-discrimination measures that would prevent … Read more

Missouri to Implement Transformative New Regulations for Renters and Landlords Starting Next Month

Jefferson City, Mo. – A new set of laws affecting Missouri renters and landlords will soon take effect, heralding significant changes in the way rental agreements are handled across the state. The legislation, aimed at refining the landlord-tenant relationship, will introduce several measures to ensure clearer communication and responsibilities from both parties. Among the key provisions of this legislation is the requirement for landlords to provide tenants with a copy of the lease agreement. This move ensures transparency and mitigates potential disputes about the terms of the lease. Additionally, landlords will now be required to … Read more

Los Angeles County Considers Groundbreaking Right to Counsel Law to Assist Renters in Eviction Cases

Los Angeles, California — Los Angeles County may soon offer a significant boost to tenants facing eviction by providing them with free legal representation. The county supervisors have moved forward with a plan to establish a “right to counsel” ordinance that would assist renters, particularly in the county’s unincorporated areas, where some one million residents could benefit. This proposal requires one more vote before it can be written into law. The initiative aims to address the disproportionate legal expertise often available to landlords over tenants. Currently, while most landlords have legal assistance in housing courts, … Read more

Colorado’s Innovative “Portable” Background Check Law Fails to Deliver for Renters

Denver, CO — In an effort to streamline the housing application process and reduce costs for renters, Colorado implemented a law in 2021 allowing for the portability of rental background checks. However, the initiative appears to have fallen short of its objectives, with many renters and landlords continuing to navigate an inefficient and expensive system. Under the law, a renter can use one background check for multiple rental applications within a 30-day period. Proponents argued that this system would reduce redundant checks, saving time and money for prospective tenants. However, nearly two years later, significant … Read more