Bill could block Indianapolis' 'nuclear option' for punishing landlords

A bill working its way through the General Assembly could make it harder for Indiana cities to crack down on rental properties that rack up excessive police calls.

Cities across the state have objected to original language in Senate Bill 558, which would force cities to fine tenants, rather than landlords, over nuisance-related issues. Cities say the legislation would eliminate last-resort tools used to punish landlords whose properties become havens for crimes such as drug dealing and prostitution.

The House on Thursday passed an amended version of SB 558 that strips out the nuisance changes and alleviates cities' concerns. But the bill's author, Sen. Travis Holdman, R-Markle, has not yet decided if he will accept the changes or send the bill to a conference committee. The Senate passed the bill Feb. 16.

In the meantime, city officials from South Bend to Indianapolis say the version of the bill that passed in the Senate would override nuisance enforcement measures. Indianapolis, for instance, files nuisance lawsuits against landlords who are unresponsive to repeated police calls and code violations at their properties. Such lawsuits are rare, yet effective, city prosecutor Deborah Law said.

Read more: http://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/marion-county/2017/04/06/bill-could-block-indianapolis-nuclear-option-punishing-landlords/100130942/