Landlords call on Bullock for compromise

The Montana Landlords Association calls on our governor to follow the Montana State Constitution to protect both tenants and landlords during these treacherous times.

On April 8, the Montana Landlords Association sent a letter to Governor Steve Bullock requesting him to revisit his declaration, April 7, dealing in part with leases and rental agreements between owners and our tenants. This proclamation extended his prior guidelines, dated March 30, which in turn raised numerous concerns on the part of the MLA pertaining to existing Montana laws and constitutional rights. The purpose of this communication was to bring to the Governor’s attention the inequities that his dictates create, with the full understanding that in our current situation, and considering our global pandemic, there will be hardships for us all.

The primary goal of the association during this time is to address the fact that we recognize that housing is essential, and that the landlord/tenant relationship is symbiotic; one cannot exist without the other. With that as a governing directive, the letter’s charge was to encourage our governor to create The Community Housing Trust Fund which would assist renters affected by COVID19, that are eligible, in meeting their monetary obligations, while allowing the landlords to honor ours as well. The idea being to have monies available, provided by the state, to be given to renters, who in turn give those dollars to landlords to fulfill our monthly obligations. The Montana Landlords Association suggested this unique solution. We understand how difficult it is to pay rent or a mortgage while we, as a state, are required to be out of the work force.

This message was not lost on the Governor’s Office. They responded immediately. Negotiations will be focused on satisfying housing needs while achieving a remedy that will ensure the tenants’ ability to meet their rental obligations without the pressure of insurmountable past due, owed amounts, the exact opposite of fearing future eviction.

The origin of the letter to the governor was to seek a viable solution, while maintaining and protecting our civil rights as a society, no matter how we earn a living to provide for our families. It was not precipitated by the desire to evict or penalize any tenant that was experiencing difficulties.

That being said, the pronouncements from our governor regarding access to courts, legal remedies and due process, denied the landlords of certain constitutional rights. It is essential, while we navigate through this uncharted arena, that we are vigilant as citizens in our efforts to fight for the freedoms that we so often take for granted. Without protection, they will slowly and irrevocably erode and disappear. This does concern the association and will be addressed during discussions with our Governor. Reason will prevail and together a solution will emerge.

At this point, both tenants and landlords are dealing with a problematic situation. Landlords offer housing in return for financial compensation, which we in turn use to pay our mortgages, repairs, remodels, utility bills and so many other vital expenses that are essential in securing housing opportunities for our Montana residents that rely on access to rental properties. Over one third of our population are renters, and landlords are solution oriented. There is not another option. One half of this relationship cannot survive without the other. Communication is essential.

In the spirit of cooperation, the Montana Landlords Association respectfully requests that Gov. Bullock understand that it is only in our collective best interest to reach a speedy and decisive resolution. The Landlords Association is committed to being firm and compassionate in our endeavor to help secure the future in which we all not only survive but thrive.

— Montana Landlords Association is a statewide nonprofit membership organization founded in 1976 dedicated to assisting, educating, and advocating for the rights of landlords in the state. The MLA has 1,146 member Landlords across Montana.