CLEARWATER and TAMPA -- Commissioners in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties are taking up ordinances this week, designed to protect renters who've been dealing with rapidly rising rents.
At Tuesday's meeting, Pinellas commissioners will get a report from county staff on a proposed "Tenants Bill of Rights." It would include 60-day notice on lease renewals or 30-day notice on properties renting month to month. The Bill of Rights also would ban discriminating against potential tenants for being on public assistance or any lawful form of income.
Wednesday, Hillsborough commissioners are holding a public hearing on an ordinance to require similar 60- and 30-day notices.
This is happening as the city of Tampa is daring a challenge under state law by moving to put a referendum on emergency rent control on the November ballot. St. Petersburg tenant activists are planning a sleep-in at City Hall Wednesday night, prior to a vote on rent control in their city.
On average, rents around Tampa rose 31 percent during calendar year 2021.
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