Tenant bill needs passed

The final version of House Bill 1013, the landlord tenant bill, which will outline the basic duties and responsibilities of landlords and their tenants, should be given Senate approval. Under the proposed legislation, landlords will be required to raise the standards of living and provide amenities such as hot and cold water in their rental housing. \nRenters will be expected to keep the housing in good condition and still maintain the basic upkeep of the area and property. While the bill may not have a direct impact on communities such as Bloomington that already have local ordinances on rental housing, low-income renters in small towns and rural areas in Indiana will benefit. \nFor years, low-income renters have been subject to housing that does not provide adequate sanitation, heating, water and ventilation systems. Unlike middle- and high-income households, low-income families are at a disadvantage. They cannot afford to be selective or stand up to unconcerned landlords. They are resigned to deal with the cards they have been dealt, and they make do. \nSome legislators have long been waiting to pass this bill, but it hadn't made it this far before.\nApartment owners and some areas of the business community oppose the bill, claiming it will raise insurance rates along with rent. However, if this bill is not passed, irresponsible and apathetic landowners will avoid making improvements and providing necessary services to their tenants. Many areas in Indiana do not have local required housing codes and regulations. Even in the areas that do, they are not always enforced. In December 2001, the City of Indianapolis prosecuted a landlord who had accumulated more than 1,000 housing violations on 48 different properties.\nThe key to the success of this bill, if passed, will be the dedication of enforcement to ensure the standards are met. The bill should be passed and signed by Governor Frank O'Bannon and then vigilantly enforced.\nAll renters, regardless of income, deserve suitable housing conditions.