Asheville Ordinance Aims to Protect Tenants from Unsafe Housing
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Asheville Ordinance Aims to Protect Tenants from Unsafe Housing
- On September 8, 2026, the Asheville City Council unanimously approved the "No Rent for Slumlords" ordinance, making it unlawful for landlords to collect rent on properties deemed unsafe or unfit for human occupancy.
- Mayor Esther Manheimer and other city officials have expressed concerns about the ordinance's enforceability due to potential conflicts with North Carolina state law, which generally restricts tenants from unilaterally withholding rent.
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Asheville, North Carolina, has enacted a new “No Rent for Slumlords” ordinance to safeguard tenants from living in hazardous conditions. Approved unanimously by the City Council on September 8, 2026, the measure prohibits landlords from collecting rent on residential properties that city inspectors have officially declared unsafe or unfit for human habitation. This ordinance also prevents owners from leasing such properties to new tenants.
The ordinance is triggered after a formal city code inspection confirms unlivable conditions and an official violation order is issued. Conditions covered include severe issues like a lack of heat or air conditioning, broken elevators, raw sewage, and unsafe electrical setups. The Asheville Area Tenants’ Union heavily championed this initiative to protect vulnerable and low-income renters.
However, city officials and Mayor Esther Manheimer have raised questions regarding the ordinance’s enforceability, noting potential conflicts with North Carolina state statutes. State law typically prevents tenants from withholding rent unilaterally without a prior judicial determination. Mayor Manheimer described the ordinance as primarily a “symbolic statement” emphasizing the city’s stance against uninhabitable housing, rather than an immediate authorization for tenants to stop paying rent. Tenants are advised to report dangerous conditions, request an inspection, and seek legal advice rather than withholding rent independently to avoid potential eviction. Asheville joins other North Carolina cities, including Durham, Charlotte, Pineville, and Pittsboro, in adopting similar measures.