Richmond Planet

OH, YOU RENTER.

IN THE DISTRICT of Columbia, the so-called Ball Rent Act, which was promulgated to safeguard the rent-payer from avaricious landlords, is upon the griddle. This laudable piece of legislation may automatically expire on May 22, 1924, unless 'Mister Renter' has beaten 'Mister Landlord' in the hearings held last week before the Congressional Committee which has to say whether Senator Ball's measure shall live or die. For the reason that 80,000 of Washington's colored population are domiciled in rented homes, the Ball Rent Act is of grave importance to them. Furthermore, with the D. C. Supreme Court decision in the Curtis case standing on the record and denying to the BRETHREN the right to buy homes in 'restricted' neighborhoods, it is fast becoming a critical question as to where and how Washington's colored citizens can keep a roof over their heads.

Yet, the writer is informed that only one colored renter had the temerity to brave an audience with the Committee and advise it of the difficulties of providing homes for colored renters and their children. Reports indicate that the colored gentleman who appeared before the august Committee was attentively listened to and accorded every courtesy due a witness.

Just think, though, how effective it might have been had others of the BRETHREN gone over on the Hill and informed the Committee of how their rents are raised; of the problems of repairs; and the dozen other influences which affect our group as renters, more than any other group.

There are apparently only two solutions to the problem of housing as it affects the BRETHREN: (1) Home Ownership, and (2) Cooperation in seeking the application of reasonable rents and equitable treatment to tenants. And, if the capitalistic landlords, who appeared before the Committee in droves, are successful in killing the Ball Rent Act, the colored renters will have little ground for an appeal, for they put in no defense and took no exceptions.

In Pennsylvania and in a number of other States, rent control is being sought by colored tenants, who realize that they are fighting with their backs to the wall; and the general problem is the same everywhere. Increasing migration makes it harder; but increasing cooperation is a good antidote. 'He who seeks equity must not sleep on his rights.'