Downtown Madison landlords could gain the upper hand in disputes with unruly tenants. According to a new ordinance reviewed by the City Council Tuesday night, tenants would owe landlords twice the amount of charges for unpaid rent, damages or other contract breeches.
Many renters are familiar with the usual security deposit routine and are accustomed to being charged $20 here or there. Supporters of the proposed ordinance said such charges are not enough to level the current \disparity"" that leaves landlords with the short end of the stick, though others at the meeting disagreed.
""It doesn't make sense to me in that now the landlords would be entitled to double for any damages that are above and beyond the security deposit. It's very anti-tenant,"" local tenant advocate Megin Hicks said.
Although the ordinance was unanimously rejected by the Housing Committee, it was sent back for further study and may reappear as early as October.
The City Council also examined and rejected an application from taxicab driver and entrepreneur Mike Roach. Roach asked the council for license to begin a new ""Kwik Cab"" company, but was denied the chance to compete with Madison's three reigning businesses. According to Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, the council voted against his application because of a city ordinance requiring taxicab companies to operate 24 hours a day and seven days a week, a rule to which Roach did not commit.
""On the surface it seems like a really awesome rule,"" Verveer said. ""But on the downside it doesn't provide for very meaningful competition.""
Finally, State Street patrons may notice changes around the 400 block, near Peace Park. The Council unanimously voted in favor of creating a test area that would allow Madisonians to sample different looks for the street's future renovation plans. Along with new lights, benches and trash cans the city will post signs asking for feedback from State Street goers.
