Court Throws Out Cedar Rapids Crime-Free Lease

By Steve Gravelle, Reporter

Tools

By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Jul 6, 2011 at 5:46 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jul 6, 2011 at 5:46 PM CDT

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Cedar Rapids’ requirement that landlords end the leases of renters who commit crimes has been thrown out in court.

“All portions of Cedar Rapids City Code Chapter 29 which reference or implement the ‘Crime Free Lease Addendum’ are void and unenforceable,” District Court Judge Nancy Baumgartner wrote in a ruling issued Friday.

Baumgartner’s ruling came in a suit filed a year ago by Landlords of Linn County. The group’s members said the city’s addendum was vaguely worded, making it impossible to apply fairly.

The crime-free provision also gave landlords just cause to end the leases of renters for any criminal activity by guests or “other persons affiliated with the resident.”

Next Article Man Arrested for OWI with Zebra, Parrot in Front Seat of Truck

Conversation Guidelines

Be Kind

Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.

Share Knowledge

Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.

Stay focused

Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.

Report Trouble

Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.

read the full guidelines here »

Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Crime, sexual abuse, property fires, automobile accidents, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.