DAVENPORT, IOWA (November 5, 2024) — The Quad Cities Tenant Alliance under Quad Cities Interfaith will host a Renters Rally this Wednesday, November 6, 5PM, outside of Davenport City Hall ahead of the City Council meeting.
Alderpersons will decide the fate of a groundbreaking Rent Abatement Ordinance. If passed, the ordinance would allow the city to order landlords not to collect rent when they fail to maintain safe living conditions, a first for the city where renters constitute over 37% of the population.
The ordinance empowers city officials to order rent abatement when properties violate housing codes. Tenants could be ordered to withhold rent without fear of eviction until necessary repairs are made. In cases where buildings are ultimately condemned, these withheld funds would provide a lifeline for displaced residents. The Rent Abatement Ordinance has already been read by council twice. This will be the final reading.
The Quad Cities Tenant Alliance (QCTA) has long advocated for this measure and endorses the ordinance as written.
Dennis Platt, QCTA co-chair, emphasizes the ordinance's broader impact: “We hope that the City Council will vote yes to adopt this measure as a tool for better code enforcement to prevent displacement.”
This legislation comes in response to ongoing housing issues in Davenport, including a tragic apartment collapse at 324 Main St in 2023. The QCTA says that the building collapse is part of a larger pattern of tenant displacement, citing the evacuation of 100s from the Crestwood Apartments in 2021, nineteen from the Schricker Apartments in 2024, and fifteen seniors from Marycrest Senior Campus in June.
“Many people have to deal with landlords who put profit over people, causing displacement,” says Ruth Quick, a member of the QCTA. Ruth urges Davenport City Council to pass the ordinance because “Until we put People Over Profit instead, tragedies like 324 Main St will create turmoil for Davenport renters.”
Back in June, the QCTA hosted a community forum featuring Senior Housing Inspector Stan Laverman who enforces Iowa City’s rent abatement ordinance. The QC Times reported that about 100 people gathered to hear the QCTA’s proposal.
Beth Longlett, a board member at Quad Cities Interfaith, comments on the growing momentum for the ordinance: “Quad Cities Interfaith has had success in organizing the faith community because this work aligns with our deepest values. As a Christian, I support the ordinance because loving my neighbor means creating policy that supports safe, decent, and affordable housing for all.”
Recent city data shows that 24% of Davenport's rental properties are on increased inspection cycles due to regular compliance issues in 2024. The ordinance aims to address this by incentivizing timely repairs and maintenance. QCTA members, which voted unanimously to endorse the ordinance, will attend Wednesday's council meeting to voice their endorsement. They urge all residents to join in supporting this measure.
