HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-11-24 Public Comment - G. Gilpin - Say 'no' to funds for tenent's lawyer feesFrom:Gregory Gilpin
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Say "no" to funds for tenent"s lawyer fees
Date:Tuesday, June 11, 2024 12:21:39 PM
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Dear Members of the Bozeman City Commission,
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the proposal to allocate public funds towards
providing legal representation for tenants in housing court. While the intention behind thisinitiative may be to protect tenants' rights, I believe it will have several unintended negative
consequences that will ultimately harm the very individuals it aims to help.
Firstly, housing court proceedings are relatively straightforward, and many individualssuccessfully represent themselves. Diverting public funds to cover private individuals' court
costs is not only unnecessary but also an inefficient use of taxpayer money. The mission ofBozeman Tenants United appears to lean towards the socialization of housing, which may not
align with the broader community's interests in maintaining a balanced and fair housingmarket.
Furthermore, introducing publicly funded legal representation for tenants will likely lead to
increased rent costs and stricter application screenings. Landlords, faced with higher legal feesto evict non-paying or problematic tenants, will inevitably pass these costs onto renters,
exacerbating the affordability crisis we are striving to mitigate. This outcome runs contrary toour collective goal of achieving affordable housing for all.
The experience of cities like New York City should serve as a cautionary tale. There, the
introduction of right-to-counsel laws has not only driven up the cost of renting but also led tomore rigorous tenant screening processes, effectively raising barriers for potential renters and
decreasing overall housing accessibility.
Instead of channeling funds into legal battles, I urge the Commission to consider investing inmore constructive solutions such as affordable housing development, rental assistance
programs, and initiatives that promote tenant education and mediation services. Theseapproaches are more likely to foster a cooperative relationship between landlords and tenants,
ensuring fair treatment without the adversarial dynamics that courtroom battles entail.
Thank you for considering my perspective on this important issue. I trust that the Commissionwill make a decision that truly supports the best interests of Bozeman's residents.
Sincerely, Greg Gilpin
3229 Caterpillar StBozeman, MT 59718