On Tuesday, June 24th CMS’ Staff Attorney Kenny Minaya and Community Outreach Coordinator Virginia Thomas attended the second monthly Central Hispanio Cuzcatlan which was held at the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish. Kenny presented information to members about their rights as tenants.
The meeting began with group leader Eduardo Barabona who gave members a recap of the recent increases to the one year and two year leases. On Monday June 23rd the Rent Guidelines Board voted for a 1 percent increase in one year leases and a 2.5 percent increase in 2 year leases for rent stabilized apartments. Eduardo emphasized that although tenants wanted a rent freeze the increase is a historic low and it is a testament to the importance of coalition building and grassroots organizing with tenants.
Kenny Minaya began his presentation by stating that the recent increases to the rent will only apply to leases signed between October 1, 2014 and September 20,2015. He stressed the importance of paying rent on time which could require the landlord to renew a lease . He encouraged tenants to familiarize themselves with their lease before they sign because a violation of a clause in the lease may be grounds for removal. After his presentation tenants were encouraged to speak to Kenny for individual consultations.
Afterwards civil rights and criminal defense attorney Nasreeen F. Syed spoke about the process to obtaining a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). She educated members about the requirements and eligibility requirement for green card holders. She also answered questions from members who had questions about getting green cards for siblings.
