KC Tenants Rent Strike: Public Pressure Vs. Limited Legal Defense?!?

We notice that even supporters are starting to get a little skeptical about the benefits of activists encouraging locals to risk eviction ahead of winter and what might be an upcoming recession no matter who wins the election. 

We like this EXHAUSTIVE note because it offers a glimpse at the down side along with the motive of putting a spotlight on landlords.

Here's the passage that stands out . . . 

Tenants have limited legal defenses when withholding their rent, aside from using uninhabitable conditions as a defense in rent possession cases.

Missouri law also allows tenants to make repairs themselves if landlords don’t respond within 14 days of a complaint. They can deduct up to $300 or half a month’s rent, whichever is higher, from their payment. However, Jaden Powell, a tenant attorney giving KC Tenants legal advice, said that this approach is insufficient for larger issues.

“When we’re thinking about places like Quality Hill, a lot of the issues are building-wide,” she said, “like plumbing issues, folks without hot water, folks with bathrooms and tubs that won’t drain. And that’s not something that you could fix for $300.”

Because the law doesn’t provide striking tenants with many protections, Powell said the campaign is relying on public support to put pressure on the landlords and the FHFA.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

The growing stakes in the Kansas City rent strike as it passes 30 days

KC Tenants want a national rent cap on federally financed buildings and plan to grow their strike, but experts warn it may lead to reduced property maintenance.