Commission hears reports of early-leasing loopholes and unsigned leases harming prospective tenants

Commissioners discussed a series of complaints about how some landlords and prospective tenants are handling the early-leasing period. The commission heard that prospective tenants sometimes fill out and sign leases that are never countersigned by landlords; the practice can leave prospective tenants believing they have a legally binding agreement when no countersignature is returned.

Jordan clarified the distinction: "there's this aspect of counter signing... the tenants will all fill out a lease... they feel they are legally bound to the lease but it has never been counter signed by the landlord." Jordan said this creates confusion about enforceability and that the lack of a countersignature has left people without a unit despite believing they had secured it.

Commissioners said the reported practice disadvantages renters looking for housing and also harms landlords who follow the ordinance. One participant described receiving multiple reports of tenants being promised units, completing lease paperwork, and then finding the landlord did not countersign or later told them the unit remained occupied; commissioners characterized that pattern as an "underhanded workaround." Commissioners agreed to seek a legal perspective at a future meeting, and asked staff to invite John Riser to clarify whether the early-leasing ordinance contains an enforceable loophole and what remedies may be appropriate.

Why it matters: If left unaddressed, workarounds could undermine the goals of the early-leasing ordinance and create avoidable displacement or confusion for students and other renters during high-turnover periods.

Next steps: Commissioners plan to invite legal staff or John Riser to a future meeting to examine the ordinance language and potential enforcement or amendment options. No policy votes were taken at the March 19 meeting.