Denver’s Initiated Ordinance 305 on evictions: A 1-minute voter guide - Axios DenverLog InLog InAxios Denver is an Axios company.

1-minute voter guide Denver' s Initiated Ordinance 305 proposes eviction help

Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios Denver's Initiated Ordinance 305 — known as — would raise landlords' taxes to provide free legal representation for people facing evictions. Details: The measure would charge landlords an annual fee of $75 per rental unit in 2023 — expected to generate nearly $12 million in its first year — and increase the fees in future years based on the Colorado consumer price index, or inflation. The landlord tax — pushed by NEWR Denver, a group of renters' advocates — would be used to fund a tenants' legal service and assistance coordinator, the ballot language states.The funding would also support a tenants' committee whose seven members will receive a $1,000 annual stipend. By the numbers: The city averaged nearly 9,000 evictions annually between 2010 and 2019, according to from Denver's Department of Housing and Stability.Meanwhile, the cost per household for eviction legal assistance averages about $700. The other side: The Apartment Association of Metro Denver and other key industry groups argue the tax is unnecessary because of existing city services. For example, Denver leaders approved a last year that gives free legal counsel for evictions to low-income renters. Opponents of Initiated Ordinance 305 also say the tax would discourage property owners from renting their units — further squeezing the city's affordable housing options. In addition, the landlords would likely pass the cost along to renters, making housing even pricier. Get more local stories in your inbox with .Subscribe Support local journalism by becoming a member.

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