Lawrence Council urged to include Tenants' Right to Counsel in October agenda

During the Douglas County Board of Commissioners meeting on September 3, 2025, discussions centered around the proposed implementation of tenants' right to counsel, a significant topic that could reshape landlord-tenant dynamics in the community. Advocates for this initiative emphasized its potential to hold landlords accountable while ensuring tenants have access to legal representation during eviction proceedings.

One speaker highlighted that landlords, like any business, are responsible for maintaining their properties and providing safe living conditions. The argument was made that if landlords fail in these duties, they should be prepared to defend their actions legally, similar to any other business facing customer complaints. This perspective frames the right to counsel not as a punitive measure against landlords but as a necessary accountability mechanism.

Concerns regarding problematic tenants, such as squatters or disruptive individuals, were also addressed. The speaker suggested that these issues might indicate a need for landlords to engage more actively with their properties and tenants, rather than resorting to eviction as a first response. This approach advocates for better communication and management practices among landlords.

Landon McGee, a local teacher, reinforced the effectiveness of tenants' right to counsel, citing evidence from other communities that have successfully implemented similar measures. He argued that this initiative could serve as a straightforward and effective solution to the challenges faced by tenants in Douglas County.

The board is expected to consider the proposal for tenants' right to counsel in their upcoming agenda on October 1. The outcome of this discussion could have lasting implications for housing stability and tenant rights in the region, as well as influence the responsibilities of landlords moving forward. As the community awaits the board's decision, the dialogue surrounding tenant protections continues to gain momentum, reflecting broader trends in housing policy across the nation.