Kansas City Tenants Extend Strike

Residents of the Independence Towers and Quality Hill buildings, located in Kansas City, have decided to form a union with the housing justice organization KC Tenants in order to resolve all the problems and difficulties that hinder the normal operation of a rental property.

For a long time, both buildings have been experiencing serious issues with plumbing, constant flooding, structural damage with walls that already have mold, and roofs in poor condition, as well as infestations of all kinds of pests.

In addition to this, residents complain that on several occasions they have suffered from water cuts caused by non-payment of the service, despite the fact that rental prices have experienced significant increases.

As a result of this major problem, residents of both housing complexes decided to carry out a strike, already considered one of the longest demonstrations in the history of Kansas City.

According to state laws, when a landlord fails to comply with the regulations governing the rental contract system, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, through Fannie Mae, has the authority to take possession of poorly functioning properties and declare a default or carry out a foreclosure of the property in order to protect the rights of tenants.

The regulation then stipulates that Fannie Mae has the right, by virtue of the mortgage, to take legal action when landlords allow their properties to deteriorate and cause serious harm to tenants or occupants of a property. Normally, Fannie Mae buys and sells mortgages with the expectation that the property will be maintained properly and in conditions that allow tenants to live their lives without difficulties.

Due to the ineffectiveness of actions by Sentinel Real Estate Corp., owner of Quality Hill Towers, and Trigild Inc., which manages Independence Towers, Fannie Mae decided to take control and provided an initial payment of $1.35 million to carry out all the necessary repairs that both housing complexes need.

After their first victory and with the expectations and needs of the residents of both buildings not being met, the tenants decided to continue the strike and withhold rent payments until the landlords or Fannie Mae meet the needs and requirements of the buildings.

Among the demands of the union, in addition to the necessary repairs, is that a cap on rent increases be signed and new owners be established for both vacant units and the ownership of the property. They also request that Kansas City officials come forward and listen to the tenants’ requests regarding the need for support for real estate loans and assistance for owners who are struggling and are close to facing foreclosure proceedings on their homes.

Having presented the terms of negotiation, the trustees and the director of the FHFA have proposed a new meeting to discuss the current situation of the complexes and determine what the best options are for all parties involved. While any solution is being determined, residents of both buildings continue to march and carry out strike actions in front of one of the affected properties.

Available Foreclosures:

Kansas City: 25 homes available.

By Elías DaSilva | 08 de Noviembre de 2024.