Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato signs amendment that would hold negligent landlords accountable

Allegheny County leaders gathered on Thursday to push forward legislation to hold negligent landlords financially responsible for dangerous living conditions, saying that safe and healthy housing is a fundamental right for all. County Executive Sara Innamorato said that over the past two years, the county has seen too many instances where tenants have been forced from their homes because of unsafe conditions. Now, when that happens, the county typically steps in to make sure residents have a safe place to stay, but Innamorato said those costs shouldn't fall on taxpayers when it's the result of a landlord's negligence. On Thursday, she signed an amendment to Article VI of the county's public health code. The legislation holds property owners accountable for the cost of emergency relocation. Bethany Hallam, who is chair of the committee on housing and homelessness, said it gives the county a clear process to step in and act quickly. "When our neighbors are forced out of their homes becau