A special seminar Tuesday afternoon sought to help local landlords and tenants find common ground when it comes to rental agreements and everything that goes with it.
The City of Emporia welcomed Housing and Credit Counseling Inc. Tenant and Landlord Program Manager Abigail Panecatl who presented the informational seminar. Panecatl says the focus of the tenant and landlord program is to ensure both individuals are adequately informed as to the responsibilities that fall to them when entering into a rental agreement.
Panecatl says a common topic she addresses is that of “fair housing” or not discriminating against those who can rent based on race, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual identity, or disability. When it comes to fair housing, Panecatl says the most common disputes of this nature center around emotional support animals, more specifically damage that may result in a home because of an animal.
Panecatl adds when it comes to the legal aspect of rental agreements, most municipalities have similar guidelines in place usually based on state statutes. That being said, she tells KVOE News there are some smaller communities that may have different requirements and regulations, often because of a lack of regulatory commissions or boards.
She says this, coupled with a lack of overall knowledge, can often lead to major legal issues down the road. Emporia Housing Specialist Jeff Lynch says preventing these types of disputes is a major reason why the city wanted to host Tuesday’s seminar.
Panecatl agreed with Lynch’s statement saying the provide this form of education for that exact reason.
For more information visit the Tenant and Landlord counseling program webpage at housingandcredit.org or click here.
