Rentwise! Chapter Four -- Retaliatory Eviction

It is a violation of law when the landlord tries to punish the tenant for asserting his/her legal rights. If an angry owner tries to throw the tenant out, or suddenly imposes a rent raise or restrictions, or reduces services in some way, the tenant should keep a diary of dates of these events. A court of law may recognize that these acts are in retaliation for "seeking remedies granted to you by law." People with leases have much better protection than those with month-to-month tenancies which can be terminated at will. (Also see Eviction in Chapter Four.)

UNDER THE ORDINANCE THE OCCUPANT MUST:

• Set garbage on the curb the evening before pick-up, not earlier! CANS CANNOT SET OUT MORE THAN 12 HOURS.
• Keep the unit free from dirt, garbage, rodent and vermin.
• Keep plumbing (toilets, drains, sinks, dishwashers, etc.) free from obstruction.
• Keep the smoke detector in working order.

If your neighbor routinely sets garbage on the curb more than 12 hours before pick-up, call the Better Housing Commission.

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