Sam Stemper, Public Policy Intern
On June 13, 2010, HOME Line launched its official 2011 Tenant Bill of Rights poll. Intended to give Minnesotans the opportunity to tell HOME Line which issues they’d like to see us address next year, the poll was distributed electronically and through our Minnesota Tenants Alliance Newsletter. We are happy to report that the total number of ballots cast in support of stronger rights for Minnesota tenants has now passed 150!
While still working toward our goal of at least 500 poll respondents, it may be helpful to crunch some numbers to understand where advice is coming from and how it is informing our policy efforts. (It is worth noting that each issue has been listed as a priority of at least 10% of the respondents.) Here is the ranking of the issues thus far:
- Right of Infirm Tenant to Break the Lease
- Tenant Right to End Lease if Landlord Does Not Meet Contractual Obligations
- Dedicated State Funding
- Tenant Right to Pay and Deduct for Emergency Repair
- Statewide Heat Code
- Security Deposits
- Mandatory Expungement
- Duty to Mitigate
- Section 8 Discrimination
- Right to Organize With Neighbors For a Tenant Remedies Action
- Reciprocity of Right to Cure
- Discretionary Expungement
- Protection from Retaliation
- Hearing on Motion
- Destroyed Court Files
- Privacy
- Opportunity to Purchase Property in Light of Section 8 Expiration or Termination
Minnesotans from all corners of the state have made their voices heard. Don’t believe me? Check out these maps! Each point represents one response in our 2011 Tenant Bill of Rights Poll.
Minnesota poll responses through July 21st.
Metro area poll responses through July 21st.
Taking this one step further, we can see that our survey respondents come from 43% of Minnesota House Districts and 64% of Minnesota Senate Districts.
Does it look like your community is covered? Add your advice anyhow and tell your friends! Does it look like no one has responded from your community? What are you waiting for? Cast your ballot in our 2011 Tenant Bill of Rights Poll right now!
When the Minnesota Legislature reconvenes on January 4th, 2011, we’d like to see a map with pinpoints across Minnesota. Help make that happen today!
