Anchorage lawmakers are advancing an ordinance that could significantly raise the costs of being a landlord in the city. The measure would require rental property owners to provide tenants financial relocation assistance equal to twice the tenant’s monthly rent, plus any deposits and prepaid rent, if a building is deemed unsafe and tenants are ordered to vacate.
Under the amendment to Anchorage Municipal Code 15.05.060, landlords would have just seven days after a notice to vacate to make these payments. If they fail to do so, the city could use a new Relocation Assistance Fund to cover the cost and then pursue repayment from the owner. Daily penalties would accrue for landlords who do not reimburse the municipality within 60 days.
The ordinance also amends Title 8 to make noncompliance with notices to vacate or enforcement orders a misdemeanor offense. Property owners who fall behind on repairs, or cannot afford relocation payments, could find themselves facing both steep financial penalties and criminal charges…