February 11, 2014

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: In Defense of Collegetown Leasing Policy

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To the Editor:

Re: “EDITORIAL: Prioritizing Collegetown Leasing Policy,” Opinion, Feb. 4

I read your editorial with interest about the 60-day waiting period ordinance in the City of Ithaca. As a landlord in Ithaca for 30 years, I am aware that there is a rush to rent apartments in Collegetown that has started earlier and earlier every year for a while. Why this is happening, however, is certainly a consumer’s initiative. No one is forcing the prospective tenant to sign a lease. In a two-party contract the consumer agrees with his or her signature. Yes, I want to rent, or no, thank you. This Ordinance only fines one party of a contract signed before the 60-day waiting period. If the City had included the consumer who signs a lease too early, there would be no problem. Common Council asked how they would be able to fine the tenant. The answer is on the line of the contract where the tenant signed her name and the address of the apartment is listed there as well.

Tenants and property owners are invited to come to the City of Ithaca Rental Housing Commission meetings held the third Wednesday of each month at 5:15 pm in the Third Floor Conference Room at City Hall, 108 E. Green Street.

Larry Beck,

Co-Chair, Rental Housing Advisory Committee