Duluth renters will benefit from a new ballot initiative that passed overwhelmingly this week.
It allows them to make simple, relatively inexpensive repairs themselves when landlords are slow to respond, and then deduct the cost of those repairs from their next month's rent.
Organizer Molly MacGregor says with renters making up 40% Duluth's population and the city's old housing stock, it only makes sense.
"There are Just so many stories of small repairs being left undone for tenants and people waiting weeks, months, or years to get something fixed that's as small as a broken doorknob or a hot shower," says MacGregor.
Voters approved the referendum 61-39 with every city precinct voting in favor of it.
The new ordinance takes effect in January. Landlords and some city officials who were opposed to the measure say it could put tenants at financial or even legal risk if they pay for repairs that are disputed by their landlords.
"It is just for those simple common sense repairs," MacGregor adds. "So if your doorknob is left unfixed by your landlord or you have a broken lock, you have a stuck cabinet that won't open, tenants are able to use this policy to just get that taken care of."
Repair costs can't exceed $500, or a half-month's rent, whichever is greater.