By a Vote of 4-3 Newcastle Tenant Protection Ordinance Fails

At their Tuesday night meeting, the Newcastle city council voted 4-3 against adopting a set of tenant protection proposals pushed region wide by A Regional Coalition for Housing (ARCH). The ordinance championed by Newcastle Councilor Paul Charbonneau would have implemented the full package of ARCH proposed tenant protections: notice of rent increase, move in fees and security deposit limits, late fee limits and a prohibition on requiring social security numbers as part of the application process.

Ryan Makinster, WMFHA Director of Government Affairs, submitted a letter outlining industry concerns and also testified during the Tuesday night meeting. In addition, a number of WMFHA members also submitted written testimony to the council.

Councilors Robert Clark, Pratima Lakhotia, Tom Griffin and Mayor Linda Newing all spoke to their concerns with the ordinance as drafted and ultimately voted against its adoption.