Issue
Unsafe apartments, retaliation protections, and government takeovers of neglected buildings.
County Council
Residents keep reporting unsafe, even deplorable, conditions in some of Allegheny County's federally assisted housing for seniors and disabled people. Now, a county council member has called for a public hearing on Sept. 24. He said county council can't fix it alone, and it will take city, county, state, and federal resources. Written testimony will be accepted through Oct. 1.
County Council
Allegheny County renters who organize or report housing problems are now protected from landlord retaliation. On March 24, council approved the ordinance, and it took effect when the county executive signed it March 27. Still, the county's housing standards code covers only lead and asbestos, under certain conditions. Next, a council member said she'll start the process of adding mold.
City Council
Homewood House residents have lived with broken heat, bedbugs, and rats for more than five years. The owner's bankruptcy filing put it at risk of foreclosure, which would displace its low-income, mostly senior tenants. Now, council has voted for the city to take it over through eminent domain. A council member told the Trib that could cost about $5 million.
City Council
Since 2023, tenants of NB Affordable Properties in Homewood, West Mifflin, and elsewhere have reported bedbugs, rats, and no heat. So far, complaints to the company and federal housing officials have had little or no effect. A council member called a meeting with a member of Congress, city officials, and advocates. Speakers discussed inspections, which a council member said residents fear could lead to eviction.