Building a bridge between tenants, landlords

LIMA — Sixth Ward Council Member Derry Glenn, heeding a call to come together, is making plans to build a bridge between landlords and tenants in the City of Lima. Glenn reportedly has received calls from his ward. Tenants often complain of neglect in their homes and the increase in rent. Glenn hopes to address these issues in person.

Once a landlord himself, Glenn understands what landlords can endure. The Council member will be hosting a conversation on Nov. 15 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Wingate Hotel in downtown Lima. All landlords in the sixth ward and throughout the City of Lima are invited to attend the meeting.

“I have a lot of calls on problems that we have been having,” said Glenn. “How can I help landlords make it better? How can I make it better for the tenants in my ward?”

Glenn said that around 45% of his ward is full of rental properties. After receiving phone calls, the next step is an in-person conversation.

“I think it is time for me to sit down and speak with the landlords,” added Glenn. “Let me hear some of the things they have to say about why some things are not being taken care of or why the rent is going up.”

At the meeting, Glenn said he will provide any information landlords may need for housing programs throughout the area. He also plans to obtain resources for low-cost materials that may assist landlords along the way.

“I will have information available,” said Glenn. “Say, ‘hey, you can go here,’ and assist with the rent; you can assist them with making phone calls. When I was a landlord I would help them to make phone calls for my tenants. I only had two houses and some of them own a lot of homes. They may not be able to do that, but I can give them resources and show them which way to go.”

Councilor Glenn can be reached at 419-905-9572.

Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.