"There's lots of evidence that having representation in eviction proceedings is not only helpful to the tenant themselves, but also landlords," noted Alderwoman Christine Ingrassia, as the St. Louis City Board of Aldermen perfected a bill allowing allowing for legal representation for tenants.
Ingrassia says the measure is modeled after programs in 15 other states.
Alderwoman Sharon Tyus, who is an attorney and a landlord, questions some parts of the bill, namely that all landlords are treated in the same way.
"Some of the people who wrote to me said 'Well, we can keep them in the housing longer and they can pay less money.' Why would I get less money for the places that I keep up, and why would I then have to go on and on and on back to court for somebody who just has not paid their rent or is a bad tenant?"
She added that she's not opposed to them having legal counsel, but she still has qualms with painting landlords with a broad brush. "The city doesn't give them free water, the utilities don't give them free utilities, landlords are all vilified as these horrible people that don't do good housing and that's just not true."
Alderwoman Anne Rice clarifies that the Board Bill establishes the right to counsel; it does not say a person has the right to stay in a home or apartment. She said eviction cases can impact people for the rest of their lives. She added that there is no money involved and no rental assistance as part of it.
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