FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Matteo Treviño, 210-323-2835

matteo.trevino@sanantonio.gov

SAN ANTONIO (May 14) — Councilwoman Ana Sandoval voted in favor of a Right to Cure ordinance that would have granted renters a 30 day period to pay outstanding rent before their landlord could file for eviction if they applied for rental assistance from the City. Her statement follows:

“I voted for what I felt would have helped renters without leaving landlords with an unfunded mandate. The amendments offered today addressed each of the concerns that landlords and property managers brought to our attention.”

“There are many responsible and compassionate landlords who have helped tenants during this time. Yet I’m still concerned that San Antonio is on the precipice of a public health and homelessness crisis. In 2018, San Antonio averaged 33 evictions a day. If this pattern holds true in 2020, and we have no reason to think it won’t, then City Council must act quickly to protect as many renters as possible.

“We heard many testify today asking the City Council to consider alternatives to the Right to Cure ordinance. One of the options still on the table is the Renters’ Commission that Councilman Treviño has proposed. It is my hope that, as soon as regular business resumes, we can take up the proposal and make sure renters have a voice at City Hall.

“I’m grateful to each of the community members who testified at today’s council meeting. While it may not always be rainbows and roses, effective government depends on civic engagement.”

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