Protection for County Renters

Developing News: County Councilmember Jolene Ivey Is Joined By Alsobrooks and Council Colleagues and In New Measures Aiding Renters Harmed By Covid-19

By Raoul Dennis

County Councilmember Jolene Ivey (D-Dist. 5) is has called for greater protections for county residents who rent their housing faced with financial losses due to the spread of COVID-19.

“This pandemic has put people under such stress, emotionally, financially and to their physical and mental health,” Ivey said of the proposed legislation in a first-person narrative shared with Prince George’s Suite May 8. “The last thing anyone needs right now is the threat of losing the roof over their heads and the worry that increasing rent and late fees will make it impossible to recover once it ends.”

The bill, CB-16 2020, has gained the support of County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and is supported by a majority of the council as co-sponsors, according to early reports.

It will address a number of concerns for residents financially weakened over recent months and who may be further challenged in the months ahead.

The bill prohibits rent increases, rental terminations, and late fees throughout the course of the COVID-19 emergency. Evictions and lockouts are also prohibited. The measure also applies to storage facilities and agencies.

Click here to see that actual CB-16 2020 bill.

This story is developing. Watch this space for updates.