For renters, landlord accountability is key to fix substandard housing

Fear of retaliation from landlords - rent increases, even eviction - can prevent renters from reporting substandard housing conditions to the city. A recent survey showed 64 percent of Long Beach renters weren't even aware the city had a housing code enforcement department. Activists are now integrating a program into the law to protect renters and enforce landlord accountability. “Currently there is no protection for renters. The only enforcement for landlords not making improvements is a fining system, and we’re not totally clear about the effectiveness of that fining system.” A detailed story is on Voicewaves.