How Renters Are Fighting Back Against Rats, Trash, and Conflicts of Interest

Trash mountains, rat infestations, no hot water for days — every day seems to bring a new horror story about unlivable conditions facing renters across the metro area. Out in Aurora, dozens of tenants were forced onto the streets when the city condemned their apartment building (and the landlord blamed a Venezuelan gang). Meanwhile, in Denver, a group of tenants is calling on the state attorney general to investigate alleged conflicts of interest around the city’s new rental licensing program. Denver Post neighborhoods reporter Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton and Westword reporter Catie Cheshire join host Bree Davies to discuss their recent reporting on tenant issues, the landlords behind the horror stories, and the new tools some renters are using to push back. Bree mentioned Hey Denver‘s’ guides on getting your safety deposit back, how to form a tenants union, and other resources for renters in Denver. You are officially enlisted to Landlord Watch! If you’re a renter, we want to hear about your experiences, good or bad. Do you have a great landlord you want to shout out? Or a terrible landlord story to tell? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬   For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: https://membership.citycast.fm/denver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Meow Wolf Wana Brands Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise