Anchorage lawmakers are advancing an ordinance that could significantly raise the costs of being a landlord in the city. The measure would require rental property owners to provide tenants financial relocation assistance equal to twice the tenant’s monthly rent, plus any deposits and prepaid rent, if a building is deemed unsafe and tenants are ordered to vacate.
Under the amendment to Anchorage Municipal Code 15.05.060, landlords would have just seven days after a notice to vacate to make these payments. If they fail to do so, the city could use a new Relocation Assistance Fund to cover the cost and then pursue repayment from the owner. Daily penalties would accrue for landlords who do not reimburse the municipality within 60 days.
The ordinance also amends Title 8 to make noncompliance with notices to vacate or enforcement orders a misdemeanor offense. Property owners who fall behind on repairs, or cannot afford relocation payments, could find themselves facing both steep financial penalties and criminal charges.
The proposal is similar to what is on the books in several Southern California cities, such as Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Long Beach.
The ordinance is presented as a response to Anchorage’s aging multifamily housing stock and a punishment for property owners who defer repairs on their properties. The measure adds another layer of cost and legal exposure for landlords who are already struggling with high maintenance bills, property taxes, and limited rental income.
By forcing landlords to foot the bill when tenants are displaced, the city is effectively raising the cost of owning and maintaining rental housing. Opponents warn that some property owners may simply sell or leave the rental market altogether, further tightening Anchorage’s already limited housing supply.
The Assembly will take up the measure during its Tuesday meeting. If passed, it would mark one of the strongest examples yet of local government using criminal penalties and financial mandates to shape the rental housing market at the expense of property owners.
The item is 10.G.2 on the Assembly agenda for the meeting that begins at 5 pm on the ground floor Assembly Chambers of the Loussac Library in Anchorage.
Awesome lets give tenants a cash incentive to flood and destroy their rental.
That’s it. We are selling our rental. Enough of this MOA crap.
And I hope other owners do as well.
Ha-Ha!!! … This measure will only increase rental rates for renters! I once heard a popular phrase somewhere throughout my travels: “We cheat the other guys and pass the saving onto you” … all of which, appropriately – accurately applies here.
What determines ‘unsafe’ or ‘deferred maintenance”? Seems like a can of worms that will worsen further the housing needs. A bit short sighted.
LMAO Anchorage Politicians just keep getting dumber