Tenants and landlords alike recently gathered to receive information about housing rights and responsibilities at the Lexington Tenants’ and Landlords Rights and Responsibilities Workshop.

The event was comprised of presentations by the HUD Kentucky Field Office, Fayette County District Judges, the Kentucky Fair Housing Council, Legal Aid of the Bluegrass, and Code Enforcement, and a dialogue with the attendees.

The HUD team emphasized the importance of immediately reporting maintenance concerns in the manner outlined in the renter’s lease. The tenant should additionally take photos or video recordings to maintain records of the issues reported to assist them should the issues rise to the level of dispute or wrongful eviction. The team also shared a move in/move out checklist and provided tips for renters that will help ensure that they receive most or all their security deposit back.

“I believe the Tenants’ Rights Workshop was a great collaboration of agencies and organizations providing much needed information for tenants and those who work in the housing field.  I would love to see more tenants attend the workshops in the future so they can be educated on their rights, responsibilities and have a pro-active stance on issues before they arise,” said Danielle Sanders, The City of Lexington’s Director of Community and Resident Services, who organized the event at Lexington’s Eastside Public Library.

This workshop for residents and landlords in Lexington and Fayette County is part of HUD’s ongoing partnership with federal, state, and local governments and organizations to improve the quality of life for all tenants and ensuring their protections under the Fair Housing law are implemented.

Multiple attendees received valuable information from the presentations as well as printed resources provided by various agencies including HUD. The event allowed a unique opportunity for a robust discussion between panelists and the audience as they were allowed to ask specific questions.

If you feel that your housing rights have been violated, you can file a Fair Housing Complaint online. You may also contact the Kentucky Fair Housing Council. For legal advice on housing topics including how to avoid eviction, please contact The Legal Aid of the Bluegrass. For further information about code enforcement for properties in Lexington, visit the Lexington Code Enforcement site.

###