On October 26, 2022, at the request of Commissioner Arriola, the City Commission referred to the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee (FERC) a discussion (Item C4 M) regarding protections for tenants. During the September 22, 2023 FERC meeting, Commissioner Fernandez advised that he would be sponsoring the continuation of the item moving forward.  

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 uninhabitable.

On December 29, 2022, the City and Legal Services executed a HOME-ARP Program Agreement for the Tenant Defense Project, with an expiration date of September 30, 2024, in the amount of $183,801 for low-income Miami Beach residents.

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 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 Metro buses traveling throughout the City and coordinating community workshops. The Committee also requested quarterly updates to address the outcome of cases referred.

At the April 21, 2023 FERC meeting, the Administration updated the Committee on its efforts to promote the Program. The Committee requested the Administration provide an update at the next FERC meeting regarding the following:

1) Employment resources available to Miami Beach residents.

2) Exploration of employment opportunities available to residents in coordination with the Economic Development Department.

3) Promotion of the Program in MB magazine through the Office of Marketing and Communications.

4) An update by Legal Services on the new legislation, along with a status of the potential preemption bill.

The item was last heard at the September 22, 2023 FERC meeting. 

Legal Services staff continues to meet with residents by appointment on a weekly basis at the Office of Housing and Community Services walk-in center, located at 765 17^th Street. In addition, Office of Housing and Community Services staff is responsible for supporting residents needing to schedule an appointment for housing issues. Walk-in clients are also seen on Thursdays, based on availability.

From January-December 2023, the Administration referred thirty-four (34) clients to Legal Services on their partner portal, scheduled one hundred and nineteen (119) appointments, and directed thirty-nine (39) residents seeking walk-in appointments. During this timeframe, Legal Services has opened seventy-five (75) cases, provided information and referrals to fifty-eight (58) clients, and closed seventy (70) cases.

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 Office of Housing and Community Services paid for up to two (2) bus shelter locations for 60 days for approximately $2,250. Subsequently, Outfront Media granted access to a digital advertisement platform at the Alton Road Food Hall at no additional cost.

Staff worked with the Office of Marketing and Communications and released a public service announcement on YouTube promoting the various programs offered to residents, including the Tenant Defense Program. Additionally, the Summer 2023 edition of MB magazine featured an article on the Program.

The Administration coordinated tenant rights workshops for Miami Beach residents on the following dates:

· On May 23, 2023, Legal Services conducted a tenant rights workshop at the Miami Beach Regional Library for the elderly community;

· On August 19, 2023, Legal Services conducted a tenant rights workshop at the North Shore Youth Center Park to answer questions about evictions and tenant rights; and

· On December 11, 2023, Legal Services conducted a virtual tenant rights workshop, advertised by the City and streamed on the City’s Zoom platform.

The Administration will be coordinating additional workshops in 2024.

FISCAL IMPACT: The Tenant Defense Program is funded by HOME-ARP funds in the amount of $183,801. 

The Administration will continue to work collaboratively with Legal Services of Greater Miami and other community providers on promoting services and community resources that benefit and protect renters in Miami Beach.