Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and do not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com.
Vancouver resident Terrell Berry shares his thoughts about the impact on families or individuals being evicted from their home
Recently, I met a family of five, who rented a house in the Rose Village area of Vancouver. For eight years, they were excellent tenants and paid their rent on time. Unexpectedly, they received a 30-day notice and were told by their landlord to leave — without any explanation why.
In Vancouver, someone can be evicted for no reason. Vancouver landlords can decide to throw someone out even if they pay rent on time and never cause trouble. Landlords don’t have to give a reason. People who are low income and people of color are disproportionately discriminated by this unfortunate reality.
Having lived experience and working as a social worker for six years, I have seen barriers such as evictions be insurmountable for a household. It significantly changes the landscape and look of our community. Adopting a Just Cause Eviction Ordinance (JCEO) will allow tenants to be protected from evictions for improper reasons, and it has many associated benefits. Under a JCEO, tenants are still subjected to evictions for certain actions: failure to pay rent and violations of lease agreements. JCEO is reasonable policy that prevents homelessness, stabilizes communities, and creates healthy and safe homes.
Terrell Berry
Vancouver
