26-1524: An Ordinance to Add Title XI (Tenants Bill of Rights) and Chapter 150 (Tenants Right to Organize) of Title XI of the Code of the City of Ann Arbor

Description

An Ordinance to Add Title XI (Tenants Bill of Rights) and Chapter 150 (Tenants Right to Organize) of Title XI of the Code of the City of Ann Arbor

Summary

Ann Arbor’s ordinance adds a Tenants’ Right to Organize chapter to the City Code. It allows tenants to form or join tenant organizations and conduct organizing activities, including contacting neighbors, posting or distributing information, meeting on the premises, and inviting nonprofit tenant organizers. Landlords and property agents may not intentionally obstruct these activities, reduce services because of them, or retaliate, although reasonable time, place, and manner limits, lease enforcement, and lawful evictions remain allowed. Non-tenant organizers must be accompanied by a tenant and obey other laws. Violations are civil infractions with fines starting at $500, and affected tenants or organizers may seek damages or court orders. The rules cannot be waived in a lease and take effect 10 days after publication.