Item Coversheet

OLD BUSINESS  2.

COMMITTEE MEMORANDUM

TO: Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee Members


FROM:
Alina T. Hudak, City Manager


DATE: April 21, 2023


SUBJECT:DISCUSS PROTECTIONS FOR TENANTS

HISTORY:

On October 26, 2022, at the request of Commissioner Arriola, the City Commission referred to the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee (FERC) a discussion regarding protections for tenants.

On November 16, 2022, Commissioner Fernandez sponsored and the City Commission adopted Resolution No. 2022-32393 approving funding for the Tenant Defense Program (“the Program”) with Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc. (“Legal Services”) utilizing HOME American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) funds. The program allows legal services to be provided to qualifying low- and moderate-income residents to address issues associated with tenant rights, including evictions, necessary repairs not completed by the landlord, 60-day notices before rent increases, and instances when landlords refuse to cover temporary housing expenses when a tenant’s unit is deemed unsafe and inhabitable.

At its meeting on January 27, 2023, the FERC directed the Administration to invite Legal Services to the February 17, 2023 FERC meeting to present the services available to renters facing landlord-tenant issues related to rent increases, quality of life, and property standards. The Committee also requested a quarterly update on metrics and benchmarks related to the HOME-ARP Tenant Defense Program.

At the February 17, 2023 FERC meeting, Legal Services presented the services available to renters. The FERC requested that the Administration promote the program on mass transit, such as trolleys and Miami-Dade County Metrobuses travelling throughout the city, in addition to coordinating community workshops. The Committee also requested quarterly updates to address the outcome of cases referred.

ANALYSIS:

Legal Services staff is available to meet with residents by appointment on a bi-weekly basis at the Office of Community Services walk-in center, located at 765 17th Street. In addition, the Office of Housing and Community Services staff is responsible for supporting residents needing to schedule an appointment for housing issues.

During the first quarter of the Program, Legal Services received seventeen (17) referrals, scheduled eight (8) appointments, and provided information and referrals to eleven (11) clients. The referrals are sent to other providers that can better assist clients with their housing needs.

 

 

Legal Services of Greater Miami

Miami Beach Tenant Defense Project

Funding Amount:

$183,801.00

   

 

January 2023

February 2023

March 2023

Total

Referrals Received

8

5

4

17

Scheduled Appointments

0

4

4

8

Self-Referred Clients

0

0

2

2

Open Cases

0

0

2

2

Closed Cases

0

0

4

4

Pending

1

4

0

5

Information & Referral

5

4

2

11

 

Pursuant to the FERC recommendation on February 17, 2023, the Administration identified ways to market the program on mass transit. Outfront Media, a city approved vendor, provided estimates to market and advertise the program on public transportation facilities throughout the City. The Administration also contacted Freebee for an estimated cost to advertise on their circulating vehicles.

Below are the available options for advertisement on public transportation:

Media

Location Description

Cost

Advertisement Duration

Bus Cards

General Coverage

$400

30 days

Trolley Wrapping

Miami Beach

$8,750

30 days

Bus Shelter

Miami Beach

$600

30 days

Freebee

Miami Beach

$5,250

30 days

 

The Office of Housing and Community Services will submit payment for up to two (2) bus shelter locations for 60 days for approximately $3,000. Staff is also working with the Office of Marketing and Communications to release a Public Service Announcement promoting the various programs offered for residents, including the Tenant Defense program.

Additionally, the Office of Housing and Community Services provided the Code Compliance Department with informational flyers to distribute to residents experiencing issues with code violations. Staff is currently organizing a tenant rights workshop with various community partners.

Fiscal Impact: The Tenant Defense Program is funded by HOME-ARP funds in the amount of $183,801. Bus Shelter advertisement has an approximate cost of $3,000, which will be paid from Housing and Community Services promotions account for up to 60 days.

CONCLUSION:

The Administration will continue to work with Legal Services of Greater Miami on the promotion of the Program to increase client outreach.

Applicable Area

Citywide
Is this a "Residents Right to Know" item, pursuant to City Code Section 2-14? Does this item utilize G.O. Bond Funds?
No No 

Strategic Connection

Mobility - Support affordable, compatible workforce housing.
ATTACHMENTS:
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Committee referralMemo