MoCo renters' rights group formed

A group of renters and community activists have established a
Montgomery County Renters Alliance, saying it will be the first
countywide organization to advocate for renters’ rights.

Matt Losak, the alliance’s executive director, said it grew out of a
“tenants work group” that Montgomery Executive Isiah Leggett (D)
appointed in 2008. The work group issued its recommendations in March.
They included establishing a rent-control law, requiring landlords to
have “just cause” before terminating a lease and forming a permanent
group to represent renters’ interests. Montgomery does not limit the
amount of rent increases, and tenants can be evicted without
explanation.

Losak, who also chaired the work group, said more than 25 percent of
Montgomery residents live in rental housing. The alliance will serve as
a “voice for renters” and work to carry out the work group’s
recommendations, he said.

The alliance plans to file for nonprofit status in the next few
weeks and will soon have a website, Losak said. In the meantime, the
group can be reached via e-mail at tokamaphepa@aol.com.

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