Minneapolis license revocations: Zorbalas & Folger properties

by Eric Hauge on March 28, 2012

Image from 2008 City Pages cover story

Earlier this month the City of Minneapolis won it’s Minnesota Court of Appeals case against landlord Spiros Zorbalas, resulting in rental license revocations for three of his properties. With these three licences set to be revoked, a city ordinance may be enforced that will bar Zorbalas from operating any other rental property in Minneapolis—affecting over 700 units in 35 additional properties. Obviously, this could have drastic effects on thousands of Minneapolis renters if those revocations are enforced and tenants are ordered to move out.

This recent decision follows another case involving approximately 17 properties owned by landlord Ronald Folger, who is facing similar license revocations for all of his rental properties. Tenants in these properties were notified that they may need to vacate their apartment at some point in the near future.

How can tenants deal with landlords who refuse to respond to repair orders? What role can residents of these properties play in inspections and license decision-making processes? What rights to tenants have when a rental license is revoked? How can tenants and city inspections departments better hold reckless and irresponsible landlord accountable before facing the possible displacement of residents?

The answers to some of these questions may be easier than others—tenants do have the right to go to court if their landlord ignores their repair requests, and residents can play a role by engaging their local city officials. In some cases, landlords who do not have a rental license may have difficulty legally collecting rent and tenants might be able to break their lease (you should consult an attorney for your own situation). What do you think should be done in situations where tenants may facing poor living conditions, but also are in need of affordable housing? How can this rental housing be maintained so residents are not displaced and do not have to deal with disrepair?

Are you a resident of one of the affected properties? Comment below about what you’ve experienced and/or what you want to see happen, submit your story online, or email us privately if you need advice or if you have questions.

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Preventative tools could curb slumlord cases

by Tracey Goodrich on February 1, 2012

HOME Line Organizer, Eric Hauge, submitted a terrific opinion article to MinnPost (or click for PDF version) on needed prevention of disastrous living conditions that result from landlord negligence.  City governments are taking serious action against landlords who fail to address major repairs and infestations, allowing their buildings and tenants’ living conditions to fall into squalor.  By the time local governments take action, however, the question at hand is whether tenants are better off living in unsafe or unhealthy conditions, or are they better off displaced (leaving those most vulnerable in danger of homelessness).  The answer Hauge asserts is that it should not come down to dire straits, but rather, there are other more preventative tools already available to local governments, and that legislation allowing tenants to screen prospective landlords should be passed.  Preventing the situation from getting this bad would save money, time, and difficulties for all parties involved.

What else should tenants know?

Tenants who find themselves living in a building that has either been condemned by a city, or whose landlord’s license has been revoked, may not be obligated to pay rent.  If the home has been condemned, the tenant may also request in writing to have their full security deposit returned to them within 5 days.  Collecting this deposit could take some work a tenant’s part, however, possibly by taking the landlord to conciliation court.  Because each situation is different, it is best for tenants to consult with an attorney (at HOME Line, Legal Aid, or other legal counsel) before deciding to withhold rent.

What else can tenants do?

Share with us your thoughts how screening your landlord before signing your lease would have helped you make a more informed (or different) decision about where you chose to live, or where you will choose to live next.

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What’s bugging Mid-west renters these days?

November 22, 2011

A group of low-income tenants in Iowa have taken collective action to sue the management of the properties they live in for damages caused by neglecting a long-term bed bug infestation.  The court has awarded the class action status the tenants sought, which is a positive step forward in helping all tenants in their building [...]

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Tenant Protections at Shingle Creek Survive HUD Final Auction

November 21, 2011

Viewpointe at Shingle Creek Apartments in Brooklyn Center was recently purchased by a local non-profit developer at HUD’s last foreclosure sale.  Read more details in this MN Public Radio story. Tenant protections (including the right to organize and protection from unlimited rent increases) were first threatened in early 2010, when HUD removed them in order [...]

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Winona’s rental restrictions experience growing pains

November 2, 2011

As many know, bursting housing bubbles, foreclosures, and ever-cautious mortgage lenders are all contributing to a tightening rental market. Fewer choices in apartments make those that are safe and decent less affordable. In its efforts to de-concentrate those ‘pesky college-aged renters,’ could Winona’s nimby-inspired rental limitations be failing to accommodate the growing need for decent [...]

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Lindahl Properties in the news again

October 21, 2011

Lindahl Properties own apartments across the metro area, almost all of which have faced scrutiny regarding poor living conditions. See previous coverage on them here. If you are living at an apartment owned by Lindahl Properties where conditions are bad, you have rights that protect your family in this situation. Depending on the circumstances, you may have [...]

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Affordable Housing Highlights in a Dim Recession

September 21, 2011

There is a major short-fall in the availability of rental housing people can afford.  This is not a new problem.  It’s been a growing one for at least a couple of decades, if not longer.  It wasn’t caused by today’s recession, but the country’s economic decline has made it far worse.  As job-loss continues, so [...]

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North Minneapolis renters still troubled by disrepair

August 2, 2011

In addition to many other concerns, many Minneapolis tenants affected by the May 22nd tornado are still facing problems with their housing. In this video posted by the Twin Cities Daily Planet, one resident shares his concerns and frustrations about government officials, non-profits, and the state of disrepair of his mom’s home. (Unfortunately, HOME Line [...]

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Savvy shopping for your next home: tips for avoiding scams and bad rental situations

July 28, 2011

This InForum article describes a Craigslist rental scam that shares similarities with a complaint from a recent caller to HOME Line’s hotline.  The call inspired us to post a few tips for a successful apartment search.   Here, we offer suggestions for doing your own background check on prospective landlords, as well as for ensuring that [...]

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North Minneapolis Renters facing tornado aftermath have rights

May 24, 2011

This recent Star Tribune article highlights the chaos and uncertainty North Minneapolis residents now face as they figure out next steps to getting their lives back on track.  http://www.startribune.com/local/minneapolis/122481804.html?page=2&c=y The article notes that most renters do not have renter’s insurance, leaving them without many assets to fall back on.  What the article does not discuss, [...]

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