Lawbreaking landlords need to get it together or go to jail
As Trenton city council members pursue tangential initiatives, this monthold government body should produce a unified effort to confront villainous city landlords.
Many landlords stand in violation of numerous city ordinances, including the requirement that they receive a certificate of occupancy after a tenant leaves a residence and a new person or family moves in.
Last week, The Trentonian highlighted a family kicked out of its Elmer St. home despite the fact that the landlord had no legal grounds for such action.
Even after publication of this horror story, a landlord henchman made another attempt at illegal eviction Thursday afternoon.
The tenant met with a Latin American Legal Defense & Education Fund attorney on Friday afternoon.
A visit to the Elmer St. house Sunday found a smiling female tenant who even had placed furniture back in their original position after the landlord and his employee allegedly put the woman, her three children and their belongings out in the rain.
Similar stories exist throughout Trenton, especially in Chambersburg and South Trenton, home to many Spanish-speaking, undocumented or disconnected residents.
The Trentonian received this letter last week and while confirmation of allegations will require time and investigation, the plot sounds similar to other published articles.
“Hi. My name is Martina and me and my family, 5 kids and 2 adults total, was in a similar situation as the lady that got locked out. It happened April 3rd and we are still homeless because of that. We called the inspectors on our landlord who’s name is George so they can try to get him to fix minor and major issues. We had NO smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors. Instead of him fixing the issue, he came to the house with a guy and locked us out on April 3rd.The inspector said the house didn’t have a COO. We tried going to court and he didn’t show up. The judge said it was up to us to get him to let us back in.”
Failing to appear in court allows a judge to issue a warrant for arrest. In this case, George should have been placed in jail.
Rental of properties without acquiring a COO, potentially places tenants in life-threatening situations. Poor wiring, an absence of smoke detectors, a malfunctioning gas stove or heater list as serious violations.
According to East Ward Councilman Joseph Harrison, city inspectors delivered an inspection on the Elmer St. home in 2014.
Many of these houses and apartments rate as death traps. Many others exist off the books. And, many houses have been divided into one-room residences.
A Hamilton Ave. house allegedly has more than two-dozen residents cramped into small rooms.
As Trenton attempts revitalization, city officials must develop a comprehensive plan that confronts slum landlords before disaster strikes.
End the reign of terror being executed by scofflaw landlords.
Throw these bums out or put them in jail.