Renter Supports and Protections

Homeowners are afforded many rights and subsidies that renting households do not benefit from. To support the stability of our renting households (nearly half of the municipality), we call for the following policies and practices:

Rental assistance: the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how many households in our community live one missed paycheck away from housing displacement, but also the critical role rental assistance plays in keeping people stably housed.
Eviction diversion initiatives: similarly, federal and state-level eviction diversion initiatives enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how prioritizing housing stability and treating eviction as a last resort benefits both renters and their landlords. Princeton piloted a successful eviction diversion program which shared elements of promising programs in places like Philadelphia. In addition to rental assistance, the following eviction diversion initiatives should be implemented:
- Access to free legal counsel or a non-lawyer advocate
- Alternatives to court, including pre-filing mediation or post-filing settlement conferences
A tenants’ union: renters deserve a trusted organization they can turn to for information regarding the legal rights of renters, to report intimidation or fair housing violations, and to advocate for safe and affordable housing.
Relocation assistance during redevelopment: oftentimes, the redevelopment and rehabilitation of underutilized or substandard housing will require temporary relocation of current renters. When relocation is unavoidable, the municipality should prioritize the welfare of renters through developer agreements, which should include financial and other assistance to guide renters through an equitable relocation process.