By signing this petition, you agree that the living situation for tenants in Athens-Clarke County is intolerable. We demand greater protections against landlords for the sake of our physical and mental health. We demand legal representation in court, and for our city council to pass this bill in full. The Tenant Bill of Rights is as follows:

1. Habitability standards defined and enforced, specifically including:

• Fully functional plumbing, electrical systems, gas, hot and cold water, and freedom from hazards such as sewage, black mold, and leaky roofs.
• Air conditioning and heat.
• Safety: all doors, windows, egress points open and close completely; door locks functional; windows open for ventilation.
• Appliances in working order.
• Pests: unit free of pests; points of entry for pests are sealed/eradicated.
• Smoke alarms installed and functioning.
• Carbon monoxide detectors installed and functioning.
• Burglar alarms/security systems/etc, if installed, are functioning.

2. Free legal advice and legal representation in court for all Athens-Clarke County tenants in tenant/landlord disputes.

3. For landlords that own 10 or more properties, or work through a property management company, automatic refund of any application fee if the tenant is not selected for residence.

4. Limiting the maximum security deposit amount a landlord may charge to 1x monthly rent.

5. Prior to a tenant’s move-in inspection, tenants shall have the right to view the move-out inspection of the previous occupant, to verify the condition of the unit/home. (All personal information of the previous occupants redacted).

6. Creation of a publicly accessible database, regularly updated by Athens-Clarke County, of rate increases, evictions, and landlord-tenant violations.

7. Tenant’s Right to Organize and Collectively Bargain with landlords free from retaliation or harassment.

8. Good Cause Eviction – tenants shall only be evicted for non-payment or lease violations.

9. Tenant Right to Purchase Provision – tenants shall have the right of first refusal when a landlord sells their property.

10. The establishment of a ‘blight tax’ on any blighted property, as well as the creation of a Vacant Property Register, which is defined as a property without an occupant for longer than 4 months.