Mayor Ness has put a halt on all tenant evictions in properties landlords where unable to acquire rental licenses due to the 300 foot rule until June 1. During this time members of DARR (Duluth Association of Responsible Renters), landlords, tenants, and others affected by this ruling will hopefully be able to make much needed changes to the ordinance. The Duluth News Tribune recently reported on this issue where DARR proposed some changes and key players in the creating of the ordinance express the reasons why.
Unfortunately the delay in evictions does not change the ordinance’s license issuing restrictions. No property owner will be able to renew or have a new license issued to them if the property is within a 300 foot radius of any other rental. The ordinance does exclude any 3+ unit buildings and duplexes in non-R1 zoned areas.
During this time hopefully we will all be able to come to a workable agreement that will appeal to both concerned citizens and property owners alike.
For more information on what DARR is doing to help these issues please visit their website http://www.responsiblerentals.com/.
