KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new union has been formed in Kalamazoo to protect the rights of renters in the Kalamazoo area.
The Greater Kalamazoo Renters Union is working with other Michigan coalitions to protect renters from being evicted, among other goals.
According to the official union Facebook page, the following demands are being made for local governments and landlords while the pandemic is ongoing:
- Suspend the collection of rent and eliminate past due rent
- Extend the current moratorium on evictions until 60 DAYS after the current state of emergency has ended.
- Institute a moratorium on utility shut-offs.
- Suspend rent increases and credit checks.
- Facilitate access to Mutual Aid, POE and other resources
- Provide PPE (personal protective equipment) and enforce social distancing at planned living communities.
Union officials say that due to large amounts of layoffs, making rent payments is only one struggle that many citizens are facing right now, citing difficulties in paying rent in April and May.
“Most renters are facing a reality; despite the stay at home order extending to May 15, they will be facing months of back rent payments,” officials said in a statement. “As of now, there will be nothing to protect these renters from facing eviction during a global health emergency that, stay at home or not, is projected to remain a palpable danger for the foreseeable future.”
The union says that these demands are meant to avoid a housing crisis that could occur later, as back rent will still be owed.
“While landlords and property management groups have resources a their disposal, including a stay on taxes and programs to ease their mortgage burden, everyday working class people have been offered no such aid. We call on local elected officials, organizations and the landlords themselves to conscientiously work to ease the burden on working class renters, and to prevent a large scale eviction crisis in the near future.”
The Union Facebook page also provided a link to an online sign-up sheet for those interested in joining. The sign-up sheet can be viewed at this link.
Meanwhile, citizens concerned about rental issues can receive help from the Kalamazoo Housing Assessment Resource Agency.
