Protecting Tenants’ Rights: St. Louis’ Fight Against Corporate Landlords
The Housing Crisis and Tenants’ Rights. The United States is in the midst of a housing crisis, and St. Louis is no exception. With issues like widespread vacancy, negligent landlords, corporate ownership, and insufficient tenant protections, the city faces unique challenges. At the heart of these problems lies a critical need to protect tenants’ rights and expand affordable housing options.
In this Deep Dive, we’ll explore the impact of corporate landlords, the policies aimed at addressing these challenges, and how St. Louis is working to create a fairer housing landscape for its residents.
What Are Corporate Landlords?
Corporate landlords—ranging from small LLCs to massive private equity firms—have become a significant force in the housing market. In St. Louis, over 20% of residential properties are owned by corporate entities, the highest percentage among major U.S. cities. These landlords often prioritize profit over people, buying up affordable housing stock and charging market-level rents, regardless of the local community’s needs.
In neighborhoods like North City, where many properties are owned by corporate landlords, residents face a lack of control over their communities. These landlords frequently neglect maintenance, impose predatory rent-to-own schemes, and even change their company names to avoid accountability. This practice not only undermines tenants’ rights but also exacerbates the city’s affordability crisis.
The Impact on Affordable Housing
Corporate ownership directly impacts the availability of affordable housing. When corporations buy properties, they reduce the housing supply for local residents, driving up prices. Short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo further compound the issue by taking homes off the market and hollowing out neighborhoods.
St. Louis has seen its share of notorious corporate landlords, such as Lux Living (also known as STL CityWide and Asprient). These companies have been criticized for poor property management, charging bogus fees, and neglecting maintenance. In some cases, their negligence has led to dangerous living conditions, including partial building collapses.
Policy Solutions to Protect Tenants and Expand Affordable Housing
Increasing Affordable Housing
St. Louis has taken steps to address the housing crisis through ballot initiatives like Propositions S, V, and NS:
- Proposition S: Introduced a 3% fee on short-term rentals, with half of the revenue supporting the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The remaining funds go toward the Right to Counsel program and the Impacted Tenants Fund, which assist tenants facing eviction or displacement.
- Proposition V: Removed the outdated $500 cap on fines for vacant properties, allowing the city to hold negligent landlords accountable.
- Proposition NS: Allocated $6 million annually to redevelop vacant properties. Recent updates to the program have adjusted funding caps to reflect inflation and the true cost of rehabilitation.
These initiatives aim to incentivize affordable housing development and hold landlords accountable for their properties.
Protecting Tenants’ Rights
Two key programs funded by Proposition S are making a difference for renters:
- Right to Counsel Program: Provides legal assistance to tenants facing unjust evictions. In its first year, the program helped over 1,500 households, with many tenants successfully staying in their homes.
- Impacted Tenants Fund: Offers relocation assistance to tenants displaced due to property condemnation. Since its launch, the program has received nearly 200 applications, with 50 residents already receiving aid.
Learning from Other Cities
St. Louis can draw inspiration from Kansas City, where tenant unions like KC Tenants have gained national attention. These unions empower renters to demand better living conditions through collective action, such as rent strikes. Local groups like We The Tenants and Tenants Transforming Greater St. Louis are already advocating for stronger tenant protections, but more support is needed to match Kansas City’s success.
How You Can Get Involved
Addressing the housing crisis requires action at the local level. Residents can make their voices heard by:
- Attending public hearings on housing-related legislation.
- Following local officials on social media for updates.
- Joining tenant advocacy groups to push for stronger protections.
For more information on tenants’ rights and affordable housing, check out The Narrative Matters, which covers related topics and offers resources for renters.
Moving Forward
The fight for tenants’ rights and affordable housing in St. Louis is far from over. By holding corporate landlords accountable, supporting affordable housing initiatives, and empowering tenants, the city can create a more equitable future. Local government is where policy becomes personal, and your voice can make a difference. Let’s work together to build a St. Louis where everyone has a place to call home.
For additional insights on affordable housing policies, visit the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy.
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