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Tenant Bill of Rights could return to St. Pete under changed provisions

The city's previously adopted policy came to an end in 2023 due to a new state law. Now, the city has a plan to secure those rights for tenants in a different way.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Tenants in St. Petersburg could be getting a boost in their housing protections as city leaders gear up for some serious changes.

The city's previous tenants' bill of rights faced obstacles due to state preemptions, leading to its repeal.

The city said it found itself navigating the treacherous waters of tenant rights after new state rules took effect which undercut local authority in matters of landlord and tenant relationships.

St. Pete was caught in the crossfire, but it appears that tenants' rights could be getting a makeover.

The idea is to embed crucial protections into the contracts of affordable and subsidized housing.

Council Member Richie Floyd said he's proposing that housing developments the city provides financial assistance to have rules in place from the previous bill of rights. 

"The city of St. Petersburg is going to try to do everything it can to make sure that we're protecting our residents as best as we possibly can. We're going to continue to look for innovative ways to do so," Floyd said. 

City leaders have said a repackaged version will target past loopholes that were being exploited. It includes offering clearer definitions of renting terms and shielding renters from discrimination.

The source of income housing discrimination is among the top concerns for William Kilgore, organizer of the St. Pete Tenants Union. 

"If you're receiving public funding, you should not be able to discriminate based on somebody's source of income," Kilgore said. 

They also say transparency will be key. Late fees and rental info must be clearly communicated in writing or via email, with no exceptions.

Tenants can also expect a more stable foundation in their housing arrangements. This could mean no more month-to-month headaches to stress over.

Landlords would be prohibited from leasing rentals monthly without written approval from the city.

Kilgore said without enough changes, more people may be driven out of the city.

"It's just going to continue unless the city takes drastic action to protect working people and tenants," Kilgore said.

Floyd said the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee will gather feedback from the community. The plan is to then revisit the proposal at a committee. 

He hopes to bring the proposals forward to the council by the summer. 

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