Naples closer to passing ordinance requiring 60-day notice of rental price increases

The City of Naples is trying to require landlords to give more notice of high rental price increases.

The City Council passed the first reading of the ordinance that would require landlords to give tenants a 60-day notice if the rent will increase more than 5 percent.

Naples Vice Mayor Mike McCabe said, “I believe this is crisp, this is clear, this is clean and this is what we should do.”

Councilman Ted Blankenship also agreed, saying, “Giving them an extra 30 days or so just seems like the right human thing to do. Particularly when you consider most of these people are working two jobs already. Where are they going to find the time to look for another apartment.”

If the Council gives its final approval next month, the City of Naples’ Fair Notice to Tenant Ordinance would fine landlords that violate the order up to $500 per violation.

Jacqualene Keay, who is a District 5 school board candidate, said, “It just gives people time.. That’s it.. Time.” it helps the community tremendously.”

Keay spoke at the meeting in support of the ordinance.

“I’m trying not to cry,” she said. “I just met a mom who has been living in a hotel for months and couldn’t find a place to live. Her children are in a Mental health crisis and she did not have a place to stay. Luckily she was able to find something. She used all of her savings. She just needed a little bit more time.”

The ordinance will face a second vote in June.

Collier County Commission voted down a similar ordinance but may reconsider a new version next week, one that requires landlords to share information about housing programs they have available.