New Law Protects

Tenants – Landlords

Is anybody happy?

Yes, a little bit. Both sides, in fact. Tenants no longer have to suffer with substandard housing, and landlords now have a way to evict substandard tenants.

The McLaughlin Act is a first for Alabama. We are the last state to have a tenant’s rights law. The new law clearly defines housing standards expected of landlords. Landlords must make sure the property is habitable and has working water, heat, and electricity. The tenant cannot withhold rent money to force repairs, but can take the landlord to court to force repairs.

It used to be difficult for a landlord to evict a tenant. The new law has shortened the process. Owners can no longer put tenant’s belongings on the street or hold tenant’s property to force the renter to pay.

Proponents of the new law include Alabama Arise, a coalition of, community, and civic groups that promote state policies to improve the lives of low-income people, and Alabama Appleseed, a non-profit, non-partisan organization founded in 1999 to identify significant needs in the State of Alabama, tackle their root causes, and craft practical, lasting solutions to systemic problems through legal advocacy, community involvement, and policy expertise.

The law took effect on January 1st of this year. Some provisions are expected to be challenged in court. As written, it does not allow tenants to sue landlords for damages and injuries caused by defects in the housing.

Rental contracts will have to be re-written to comply with the new law.

For information call ILC of Mobile. (251) 460-0301

Inside ILC

Would you be interested in participating in social activities sponsored by People for People? Such get-togethers would feature refreshments, perhaps entertainment, and an opportunity to meet new people.

Would you be interested in attending People for People Advocacy Meetings? These usually involve talking about news important to people with disabilities and ways the group members can speak up for more opportunities for people with disabilities.

Would you like to get in touch with government officials to encourage them toward policies and laws that help people with disabilities? This might involve making phone calls, writing letters, or attending rallies at the Capitol in Montgomery.

Would you be interested in receiving a newsletter or other mailings about issues important to people with disabilities? It might include new and helpful information relating to disabilities and opportunities to participate in community activities.

Would you be interested in getting in touch with other people who are advocates for people with disabilities by Email? This might include announcements and news, “chats” with a group of several people, and/or individual “pen pal” type Email.

If you can answer “yes” to any of these questions then contact Jim Flora at ILC of Mobile (251) 460-0301

ASL and You

An American Sign Language class will be offered at ILC in the spring of 2007. The beginning class will start on April 3^rd at 6:00pm and run until 7:30pm.

The course will run for eight weeks and will cost $45.00. The cost does not include the textbook.

A Deaf Professional will teach the course. Call the Center at (251) 460-0301 to register for the course.

People Can't Wait Rally

Wednesday March 28, 2007

In front of the Legislative State House

Montgomery, Alabama

The focus of the rally will be on continued funding and new funding to serve children and adults with disabilities in Alabama.

Transportation to the event will be provided free by ILC of Mobile. We will take a Trailways bus, and ILC van.

Consumers, family members, and friends are encouraged to attend. We will leave ILC of Mobile between 7 & 7:30 AM. The Rally will be at 11 AM. We plan to return to ILC of Mobile around 5 PM. Snacks & lunch provided free by ILC of Mobile.

Please sign up now to go with us as seating is limited.

Please contact Heather Weeks at the Independent Living Center for reservations. Telephone 460-0301, Extension # 103

Kudos

Next time you visit the Joe Jefferson Players' theater, located 1/2 block off Dauphin on Carlen Street, notice the accessible improvements. The City of Mobile owns the building and has gone beyond the accessible restroom to include a ramp to the lower lobby area and a lift to the theater seating area.

Joe Jefferson Players, Alabama’s oldest dramatic company, was not accessible because of stairs to the theater and concession area. Additional accessible parking spaces have been added. There is also a level area for wheelchairs and soon to be companion seats. Unfortunately, access to the stage will be addressed at a later date.

Congratulations to the Joe Jefferson Players and the City of Mobile for making this great Mobile institution a treasure that can be enjoyed by all.

News

Arts and Crafts Monday, March 5 and April 2 @ 9:30 AM

Auxiliary Meeting Monday, March 12, 2007 @ 1:00 PM