'Renter-First Housing Policy' Adopted by the Minneapolis City Council

The Minneapolis City Council recently adopted a "Renter-First Housing Policy," according to a statement by the city. The policy will provide "a framework that affirms the City’s commitment to advancing renter protections and developing new tools to support affordability and stability in rental housing."

As reported by William Morris {paywall], the Renter-First Housing Policy is an "internal priority statement that does not by itself enact any new ordinances or regulations," but advocates have high hopes that renters are gaining "new tools and regulatory attention."

The statement by the city has additional details: "The implementation of the Renter-First Housing Policy will include both early intervention and safety-net strategies. Highlights include strengthening enforcement measures to ensure repair issues are addressed quickly while minimizing negative impacts on the renter; targeting inspections efforts toward properties in disrepair or with a high volume of renter complaints; and creating financial opportunities for property owners to maintain housing conditions and affordable housing without increasing rents."