Three Arizona cities are reevaluating their crime-free housing programs to minimize harm to renters, following an investigation by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com that found such policies do not reduce crime.
Officials in Tucson, Tempe and Flagstaff said their police departments will re-examine the programs after The Republic’s findings. Crime Free Multi-Housing Programs are tough-on-crime policies that make it easier for landlords to evict tenants suspected of criminal activity.
The programs rely on an addendum attached to most Arizona leases that gives landlords sweeping authority to define “crime,” including the behavior of guests and unfounded accusations. Under the provision, an eviction can take effect immediately — often within 24 hours — without an arrest, criminal charge, conviction or even a crime…