Duluth council rejects tenant-drafted "Right to Repair" petition ordinance after hours of testimony

A petition ordinance known as the "Duluth Right to Repair," submitted by Duluth Tenants Union and Housing Justice Center, failed in a roll call vote at a special meeting of the Duluth City Council. The council rejected the petition ordinance 2–6 after extensive public comment both for and against the measure.

Supporters told the council the petition responds to widespread delays in getting small but urgent repairs completed and empowers renters to make documented repairs and deduct costs when landlords do not act. “We know the systems don't work,” said Aaron Rose, a disabled combat veteran and renter, describing months-long delays he experienced getting a basement door and locks fixed. “This gives us a tool, not to punish landlords, but to protect ourselves.”

The petition ordinance was placed on the council agenda after Duluth Tenants Union gathered nearly 6,000 signatures, of which the clerk…