Join NC Triangle DSA at Durham City Council on Monday, October 20th at 7pm to demand expanded protections for tenants living in unsafe housing! This ordinance would forbid landlords from collecting rent at properties that are in an "imminently dangerous” condition, such as pest infestations, non-functioning toilets, or a lack of heating system. Such an ordinance would give Durham renters the power to demand repairs to their homes instead of facing eviction if they refuse to pay rent over substandard living conditions.

Despite the passage of similar ordinances in Charlotte and Pittsboro, the City Attorney’s office has some council members concerned that such a policy would be challenged by the state, or that the city would be on the hook for damages if landlords challenged enforcement and sued. However, the ordinance is not directly enforced by municipalities but through the courts, where tenants have used the code as a defense to eviction and to improve their housing.

If you would like to participate in public comment, plan to arrive before 7:00pm to sign up at the station outside city council chambers.